A new strain of influenza has rapidly spread in the United States, with cumulative deaths exceeding 3,100.

According to the AP on the 31st of December, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that during this winter season, there have been at least 7.5 million flu patients, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths. The deaths included at least eight children.

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These figures, compiled as of the 20th of last month, are estimated to be surpassed by the actual number of infections due to the impact of large year-end events such as Christmas.

Currently, the new flu variant ‘subclade K’ is spreading in the U.S. This is a mutation of H3N2, a type of influenza A virus, which first spread in the U.K., Japan, and Canada before reaching the U.S.

According to a CDC report, more than half of the states have reached ‘high’ or ‘very high’ levels of flu-related illness.

The situation in some states is severe. New York State health authorities announced that within a single week, 71,000 flu patients were recorded, setting a record high for a single state since 2004.

However, health authorities explained that it is still too early to determine whether this season’s flu outbreak will reach the same severity as last season.

Flu seasons dominated by the H3N2 variant typically show serious trends, with higher numbers of infections and severe cases. However, Professor Pekoes from Johns Hopkins University explained that it will take time to determine whether this ‘subclade K’ is simply more easily spread or more dangerous.

Experts recommend getting a flu vaccination now. Although this season’s vaccine does not perfectly match subclade K, analysis conducted in the U.K. has confirmed partial preventive effects, such as reducing the risk of hospitalization.

Flu poses a high risk of severe illness, particularly for individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant women, infants, and those with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems. The CDC and major medical organizations recommend flu vaccinations for most people aged 6 months and older.