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Severe Flu Season Hits U.S. Amid Low Vaccination Rates

1/14/2026

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Center

Flu Crisis Response

The United States faces a severe flu season with more than 15 million cases and 7,400 deaths.
The dominant strain is H3N2 subclade K, with differences from the vaccine strain that may reduce effectiveness.
Vaccination rates are low, with 44% of adults and 43% of children vaccinated.
In response, some regions are opening free vaccination clinics to combat the spread.
Experts warn that misinformation and vaccine hesitancy hinder outbreak control.

Right

Italy's Flu Surge

Italy is nearing the peak of flu cases this season, driven by the H3N2 variant.
University of Maryland researchers found that close contact alone does not guarantee transmission, with coughing and stagnant air as significant factors.
A study with infected and healthy participants found no infections among healthy individuals despite close proximity, suggesting environmental conditions are crucial.

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Flu Crisis Response

The United States faces a severe flu season with more than 15 million cases and 7,400 deaths.
The dominant strain is H3N2 subclade K, with differences from the vaccine strain that may reduce effectiveness.
Vaccination rates are low, with 44% of adults and 43% of children vaccinated.
In response, some regions are opening free vaccination clinics to combat the spread.
Experts warn that misinformation and vaccine hesitancy hinder outbreak control.

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