{"id":10559,"date":"2026-01-23T16:09:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:09:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=10559"},"modified":"2026-01-23T16:30:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T16:30:12","slug":"what-is-the-new-flu-virus-variant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flushinghospital.org\/newsletter\/what-is-the-new-flu-virus-variant\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the New Flu Virus Variant?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>There is a new variant of the flu virus called H3N2 subclade K that is affecting the U.S. this flu season, after circulating <\/span>in other countries last summer. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2, which is a subtype of influenza A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H3N2 is the main type of flu spreading in the U.S. as of mid-November.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, scientists from around the world have\u00a0reported\u00a0that\u00a0H3N2 subclade K, a mutation of H3N2, has undergone several mutations, which\u00a0haven\u2019t\u00a0been seen before in flu viruses. These mutations may make this new strain more severe than usual, with some experts believing that these changes could reduce how well the current flu vaccine prevents infection.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it is important to note that it is still recommended to receive the flu vaccine, as the CDC notes that the H3N2 subclade K strain can cause severe symptoms in older adults over the age of 65 and children under the age of five. Other people who are vulnerable to severe symptoms of the subclade K strain include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n