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Flu Season Surge: 11 Million Infections, Urgent Vaccination Needed

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The U.S. flu season has caused about 11 million infections, 120,000 hospitalizations, 5,000 deaths, and 280 pediatric deaths—the highest since 2004.
Experts attribute the rise to the H3N2 subclade K variant.
The vaccine offers limited protection because it was developed before the new strain emerged.
Officials urge vaccination and early antiviral treatment to reduce severe outcomes, as social media users share experiences of severe symptoms.

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Story summary

The U.S. flu season has caused about 11 million infections, 120,000 hospitalizations, 5,000 deaths, and 280 pediatric deaths—the highest since 2004.
Experts attribute the rise to the H3N2 subclade K variant.
The vaccine offers limited protection because it was developed before the new strain emerged.
Officials urge vaccination and early antiviral treatment to reduce severe outcomes, as social media users share experiences of severe symptoms.