A new super flu strain is spreading globally, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/idrinstitute.png")
In a statement, the agency said the newly mutated, fast-moving variant of influenza A, known as H3N2 subclade K, has become dominant in multiple Northern Hemisphere countries, raising concerns about a potentially severe 2025–2026 flu season.
First detected in Europe after the season’s flu vaccines were selected, the variant carries seven new mutations that scientists say may help it evade immunity from current flu shots.
The strain has already fuelled early and severe flu seasons in Japan and the United Kingdom and is now circulating widely in Canada, where experts warn of a possible mismatch between the vaccine’s H3N2 component and the emerging variant.
In the United States, genomic sequencing and surveillance data show that H3N2 subclade K is already present in most states and now accounts for the vast majority of analysed H3N2 samples, even though overall flu activity has not yet peaked.
According to CDC estimates, at least 4.6 million influenza cases have been recorded so far this season, with about 49,000 hospitalisations and more than 1,900 deaths.
Laboratory data indicate that the vast majority of characterised H3N2 viruses belong to the subclade K group, underscoring how dominant the variant has become among circulating strains.
CDC genetic surveillance shows subclade K dominating most H3N2 samples analysed in recent weeks, although precise global case counts for the variant are not yet systematically reported.
Public health officials, particularly within the US Department of Health and Human Services, are concerned because H3N2 viruses are historically associated with more severe illness, especially among older adults and young children.
Monitoring efforts have also been complicated by recent disruptions to CDC surveillance during a government shutdown, limiting real-time tracking of the virus’s spread.
Despite concerns about mutation and vaccine mismatch, experts stress that flu vaccination remains critical. While protection against subclade K may be reduced, the current flu shot still offers substantial protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death, and continues to provide strong coverage against H1N1 and influenza B strains.
Health officials said symptoms of the new variant resemble typical influenza A, including sudden fever, chills, body aches, headache, severe fatigue, congestion, runny nose and cough.
They noted that the symptoms overlap with COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, urging clinicians and the public to seek testing, including at-home “3-in-1” rapid tests that detect flu A, flu B and COVID-19.
As flu season intensifies, experts warned that vigilance, vaccination and early testing will be crucial to limiting the impact of what could be a particularly harsh season.
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________
“Timely And Groundbreaking” — Babalola, Nnawuchi Release Casebook On Privacy & Data Protection In Nigeria
A timely new publication, Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria, co-authored by Olumide Babalola and Uchenna Nnawuchi, 📘 Casebook on Privacy & Data Protection in Nigeria is now available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8TmFZrd
______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
