The ‘Super Flu’ Is Hitting Kids Hard-and Some Aren’t Surviving
Gizmodo••health
Key Points:
- The current influenza season is causing a significant rise in cases, hospitalizations, and pediatric deaths across the U.S., driven by the unexpected H3N2 flu subclade K strain.
- As of late December, flu activity was high or very high in 32 U.S. regions, with hospitalization rates reaching the third highest level in 15 years.
- Several states, including Kentucky and Ohio, have reported their first pediatric flu deaths of the season, highlighting the serious threat flu poses to children, especially those unvaccinated.
- The 2025-26 flu season follows a record deadly 2024-25 season, which saw at least 280 pediatric flu deaths, the highest in modern history for a non-pand
