The United States is currently experiencing an exceptionally severe influenza season, marked by a new, aggressive strain of 'super flu' identified as variant H3N2 subclade K. This season has seen an alarming increase in severe illnesses, particularly among children, and a significant surge in flu-related deaths and hospitalizations across the nation. Health officials have confirmed the tragic deaths of five children so far this season, four in Massachusetts and one in Illinois, underscoring the serious threat posed by this variant.

Among the victims in Massachusetts, two children from Boston were under two years old, an age group highly vulnerable to severe illness due to their underdeveloped immune systems. While specific details about the child in Illinois were not released, the Illinois Department of Public Health noted 'very high' flu activity in the state. The fatalities also include 16-year-old Ryleigh Spurlock of Ohio, who developed septic shock and double pneumonia within 24 hours of experiencing 'ordinary flu symptoms' and passed away on December 28. Her stepmother highlighted the rapid deterioration from a normal temperature to 105 degrees. Tragically, Ryleigh had not received her flu shot for the season. Additionally, 14-year-old Noah Smothers from Alabama and an unidentified child from Kentucky also succumbed to flu complications.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) figures paint a stark picture, reporting 'very high' flu activity in 32 states. Hospitalizations have skyrocketed by 54 percent compared to the previous week, reaching a rate of 28 per 100,000 people. Data from the week of December 27 revealed that one in three flu tests returned positive, a sharp rise from one in four the week prior, and a 76 percent surge compared to the same period last year. The CDC estimates at least 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths have occurred this season.

This new H3N2 subclade K strain is particularly concerning because it is novel to many people's immune systems, rendering them highly vulnerable to severe and potentially hospitalizing illness. While initial symptoms mirror other flu strains, experts warn of its heightened severity, especially in children. Distinctive signs include fevers that can last five to seven days and reach dangerous levels, such as 105 degrees, a persistent, phlegmy cough leading to difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and intense joint and muscle aches. Dr. Juanita Mora of the American Lung Association noted that these high fevers may not respond to conventional over-the-counter treatments, increasing the risk of cellular damage, vital organ weakening, and severe dehydration.

Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner, emphasized the danger: 'These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain.' The geographical spread of 'very high' activity includes Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York City, New York state, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, and Idaho. The number of states with 'low' and 'minimal' activity has drastically shrunk, with only Montana and Vermont reporting 'low' activity, and no states reporting 'minimal' activity.

Healthcare professionals urge vigilance. Dr. Neal Shipley, medical director of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, advises seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms rapidly worsen, if breathing becomes difficult, if there is extreme weakness or dehydration, or if symptoms fail to improve after a few days. The most effective preventative measure against Influenza A, which includes subclade K and accounts for three in four flu cases, is the annual vaccine, offering 30 to 75 percent effectiveness. As of mid-December, 42 percent of American adults had received this season's flu shot, consistent with last year's figures. Despite this, the severity and rapid progression of the 'super flu' variant highlight the critical need for prompt medical evaluation for anyone experiencing severe or worsening flu-like symptoms.