Flu cases are rising with a strain that makes older people sicker
The Detroit News••health
Key Points:
- Influenza cases in the U.S. are rising due to a new H3N2 strain, which may reduce the effectiveness of current vaccines, though health officials emphasize vaccines still protect against severe outcomes.
- The flu season is not yet at its peak but has seen a sharp increase in hospitalizations, emergency visits, and deaths, with the Northeast experiencing significant surges, such as New York's highest weekly flu cases since 2004.
- COVID-19 levels are currently lower than previous peaks and do not follow a seasonal pattern, but vaccinations and testing remain recommended as winter approaches.
- The new H3N2 strain, linked to severe outbreaks internationally, emerged after U.S. flu vaccines were finalized, raising concerns about vaccine
