CDC: Flu Activity Rises Sharply Across the U.S., at Least 7.5 Million Illnesses

UNITED STATES – Flu activity is surging across the United States, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC estimates at least 7.5 million flu illnesses this season, with more than 81,000 hospitalizations and over 3,000 deaths, including eight pediatric fatalities so far.

ABC News reports most cases are linked to a new strain, a variant of Influenza A H3N2 known as subclade K, which has also driven spikes in Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

More than 20 states are now reporting very high respiratory illness activity, with cases expected to rise after holiday gatherings and colder weather.

Health officials say this season’s vaccine may be a partial mismatch, but stress it still reduces the risk of severe illness and say it is not too late to get vaccinated.