With flu-related hospitalizations reaching record levels in New York, the ongoing flu season is categorized as "moderately severe" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of now, there have been approximately 11 million reported illnesses, with 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths across the United States.
The effectiveness of the current flu vaccine appears diminished due to the emergence of the H3N2 flu virus subclade K, which carries several mutations. Vaccination rates are concerningly low, with only around 44 percent of adults vaccinated, a significant drop from pre-pandemic levels. This decline is particularly notable among children, who face a higher risk of severe illness.
While this winter's outbreak is not classified as a "super flu," the impact of influenza is substantial, contributing to around 1 billion infections globally each year. The World Health Organization warns that these infections can result in up to 650,000 deaths annually, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination efforts.