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Flu Season Surge: Schools Close Amid Rising H3N2 Cases

12/17/2025

43 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The flu season in the United States is escalating due to the H3N2 variant subclade K, poorly matched to vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports rising flu activity, with 8.1% of tests positive, up from 5%.
Missouri and Iowa closed schools after outbreaks.
The season has recorded its first pediatric death.
Data from the United Kingdom suggests the vaccine still helps prevent severe illness in children.

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Story summary

The flu season in the United States is escalating due to the H3N2 variant subclade K, poorly matched to vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports rising flu activity, with 8.1% of tests positive, up from 5%.
Missouri and Iowa closed schools after outbreaks.
The season has recorded its first pediatric death.
Data from the United Kingdom suggests the vaccine still helps prevent severe illness in children.