The H3N2 strain is now spreading across the US, after a surge was seen in the UK. According to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the hospitalization rate across the US jumped by 14.3%, with over 9,900 people admitted with the flu.The virus is reported to be highly contagious and has dominantly spread across several countries in the Northern Hemisphere. While not a new virus, this variant has acquired mutations that help it spread more efficiently, leading to a faster rise in cases than usual seasonal flu. The World Health Organization has noted this strain is now responsible for a large share of confirmed influenza infections across multiple countries.
Where is superflu spreading
As per a report in TODAY.com, the superfly is spreading in the US in at least 30 US states, including New York, California, Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, and Alaska, and also in the district of Columbia.Also read: Harrison Ford, aging gracefully at 83: 6 habits behind his long-term vitality
Symptoms to look out for
The symptoms of this superflu are similar to seasonal influence signs. These include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
- Congestion or runny nose
- Coughing
The symptoms of flu can look similar to those caused by COVID-19 and other viruses, which is why testing is important.
How severe can the flu get
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that flu can range from mild to severe and at times lead to death in people of any age. During the 2024–25 flu season, official CDC data show that of patients hospitalized with influenza, about 16.8 % required intensive care, 6.1 % needed mechanical ventilation, and 3 % died in hospital.
