Flu cases are rising with a strain that makes older people sicker
Yahoo News Australia••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 help prevent severe outcomes.
- The flu season has seen a sharp increase in hospitalizations and deaths, with the CDC estimating 4.6 million illnesses and 1,900 deaths so far, but the peak is expected in early 2024.
- The new H3N2 strain, linked to severe outbreaks in other countries, emerged after the flu vaccine formulation was finalized, raising concerns about vaccine efficacy in the U.S.
- Despite the rise in cases, flu levels remain within expected ranges, and experts urge continued vaccination as it can reduce severity and
