Why This Flu Season Is Hitting Harder and What to Know About the New Variant

This flu season is shaping up to be one of the most intense in recent years. Across the United States, influenza cases are rising rapidly, hospitalizations are increasing, and pediatric cases are drawing particular concern. Health experts say a newly dominant flu variant is one reason this season feels worse than usual.

While some headlines have labeled it a “super flu,” the reality is more nuanced and understanding these nuances can help you and your family make informed decisions to protect yourselves this season. 

What Is Driving This Flu Surge?

The current surge is being fueled primarily by influenza A, specifically a mutated H3N2 subtype called “subclade K” that has become dominant this season. H3N2 strains are historically associated with more severe flu seasons, particularly for young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

This year’s version of H3N2 has undergone genetic changes that may reduce immunity from prior infections. That does not mean existing vaccines are useless, but it does mean more people may be susceptible to getting sick.

And though experts emphasize that the term “super flu” is not a medical classification, it is a media shorthand reflecting how widespread and severe this season’s flu activity has been.

How Severe Is This Season So Far?

According to public health data, flu activity is uncharacteristically high in many states, much earlier than what is typically seen. Millions of illnesses have been reported nationwide, along with tens of thousands of hospitalizations and even a few deaths. Several states have also noted unusually high case counts, with children being especially affected this season. 

This is likely due to lower levels of prior immunity and increased exposure in school and childcare settings. As a result, pediatric hospitalizations and flu related complications are increasing, underscoring the importance of vaccination and early treatment in pediatric populations.

Symptoms Doctors Are Seeing

The symptoms associated with this flu strain are similar to typical influenza, but doctors report that some cases are more intense or last longer than expected.

Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, headache, and congestion. In children, vomiting and diarrhea are being reported more frequently.

Some clinicians have also observed very high fevers that are difficult to control, persistent coughs, prolonged fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms occurring alongside respiratory illness. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms, difficulty breathing, dehydration, or a fever that does not respond to medication should seek medical care immediately.

Do Flu Vaccines Still Help?

Yes. Even if the circulating strain is not a perfect match, flu vaccines remain one of the most effective tools for reducing severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

This season’s vaccine may not fully prevent infection in all cases, but it still provides important protection, especially for children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions. Antiviral medications can also help if started early, particularly for people at higher risk of complications.

How to Protect Yourself and Others

There are practical steps people can take to reduce risk during this flu season:

• Get vaccinated if you have not already

• Wash hands regularly and practice good respiratory hygiene

• Stay home when sick to prevent spreading illness

• Monitor symptoms closely, especially in children

• Seek medical care for severe or worsening symptoms

  
  

If you are looking for practical steps you can take right now, you can also read our previous blog on how to protect yourself during flu season.

The Bottom Line

This flu season is proving to be more intense than many recent years, driven in part by a dominant H3N2 variant and lower population immunity. While the surge is concerning, preventive steps still make a real difference.

Vaccination, early treatment, and basic public health measures remain the best ways to reduce the impact of influenza, along with timely evaluation by a healthcare provider when symptoms develop or worsen.