12/31/2025
Health officials are closely monitoring a surge in flu cases across Metro Detroit and Michigan, driven by what experts say is a more aggressive strain of influenza A circulating this season.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a dominant strain of influenza A (H3N2) — part of a newly identified subclade often referred to by researchers as “K” — is being detected in a growing number of cases nationwide. The CDC says this strain shows notable genetic changes compared to earlier versions, raising concerns about how quickly it spreads and how severe symptoms may become.
Health experts say the strain has been linked to more intense flu symptoms, including high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat and congestion. While this season’s flu vaccine still offers protection against severe illness, officials say its effectiveness against this specific subclade may be reduced.
According to the CDC’s latest FluView report, Michigan is now listed among states experiencing high levels of outpatient flu activity, as emergency rooms and urgent care centers see a sharp increase in flu-like illness such as
Other states currently reporting very high activity include New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Louisiana and Colorado.
The CDC reports that nearly 90 percent of recent influenza A samples analyzed nationwide belong to this H3N2 subclade, making it the dominant strain circulating this season.
Health officials continue to urge residents to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, practice good hand hygiene and seek medical care if symptoms worsen — especially for young children, seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
