A new H3N2 flu variant, subclade K, is spreading in the U.S. ahead of peak flu season. This strain is partly resistant to this year’s flu vaccine. Health experts continue to recommend vaccination. The variant has appeared earlier than usual, and flu cases are rising in other countries. Data gaps from a government shutdown make tracking the strain harder. "Some hospitals have seen patient numbers multiply compared to last year," according to Click2Houston.
The new H3N2 subclade K flu strain has seven mutations, raising concerns about its ability to evade immunity from current vaccines. "When we see early H3N2 activity, I think that's particularly worrisome," said Dr. Andrew Pekosz, noting the potential for more severe illness across all age groups, as per TODAY.
Despite the imperfect match with this year’s flu shot, health experts stress its importance. "The goal of vaccines is to reduce the severity of illness, and reduce the disease impact on our population," said Dr. Robert Hopkins Jr., while noting the vaccine still protects against other strains like H1N1 and influenza B, as mentioned by TODAY.
