11/21/2025
New flu strain raises concerns.
The United States may be facing another difficult influenza season, partly due to lagging vaccination rates and a newly mutated strain called Subclade K. This variant has already caused early surges in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan, and health experts warn it's just a plane or car ride away from widespread U.S. transmission if it hasn't arrived already.
Last winter's flu season was particularly severe, with the highest hospitalization rates in nearly 15 years. At least 280 children died from influenza complications, marking the highest pediatric death toll on record dating back to 2004.
The good news is that current flu vaccines do provide some protection against the new strain. Healthcare providers recommend getting vaccinated before gathering with vulnerable relatives during the upcoming holiday season.