Flu is rising rapidly, driven by a new variant. Here's what to know

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Flu is rising rapidly across the U.S., driven by a new variant of the virus — and cases are expected to keep growing with holiday travel.

That variant, known as “subclade K,” led to early outbreaks in the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada. In the U.S., flu typically begins its winter march in December. On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported high or very high levels of illness in more than half the states.

The CDC estimated there have been at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths from flu so far this season. That includes at least eight child deaths — and is based on data as of Dec. 20, before major holiday gatherings.

Some states are particularly hard-hit. New York’s health department said the week ending Dec. 20 marked the most flu cases the state had recorded in a single week since 2004: 71,000.

https://apnews.com/article/flu-subclade-k-cdc-vaccine-ca9bd270ca70602775168b0b651e3b2a

[Ms. Toad]

1. My daughter has it

She wasn't rested until 3 weeks in, and still positive. I think it's finally moving out.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. I plan to mask up

Almost forgot about masks until I saw one last week.

[USS_Dauntless]

4. I never stopped.

I ride transit too.

[synni]

7. I think I will be masking up, too

[Norbert]

8. I already have at work.

[MustLoveBeagles]

3. This reminds me to get the flu vaccine

Is the new COVID shot available?


🎉🥳

[USS_Dauntless]

5. Here's info from Oregon

since I no longer trust the CDC.

https://sharedsystems.dhsoha.state.or.us/DHSForms/Served/le-1157350.pdf

[MustLoveBeagles]

6. Thanks 👍

🎉🥳