‘Super flu’ virus tracker: Symptoms and latest update as subclade K influenza variant spreads

As many families are preparing to gather for the holidays, influenza (flu) cases are spiking across the country.

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), positive test results have reached the highest levels seen so far this season.

​The most frequently reported influenza virus this season is the influenza A H3N2 virus. Last week, Fast Company reported on a new mutated strain of influenza A H3N2, known as the subclade K flu variant, which emerged after multiple mutations. Here’s what you need to know. 

Recent data shows positive cases are spiking

According to CDC data for the week ending December 13, 14.8% of samples tested positive for influenza.

This is the highest level of positive cases so far this season. A total of 927 influenza viruses were reported by public health laboratories. 

Of those, 911 were influenza A and 16 were influenza B. Of the 706 influenza A viruses that were subtyped, 89.9% were influenza A H3N2.

For the week ending December 13, states with the highest flu activity include: 

• Colorado
• Louisiana 
• New Jersey
• New York
• Rhode Island 

Tracking data from the New York State Department of Health shows cases at their highest for the season, with over 5,300 hospitalizations so far.

In New York City, flu cases have spiked significantly. 

Holiday season means data will lag this week

Unfortunately, the CDC won’t provide further updates on the spread of the virus until the very end of the year. Data reporting will be delayed due to the Christmas holiday.

According to the CDC, data for the week ending December 20 will be posted on December 30. 

What are symptoms of the flu?

Typical symptoms of the flu vary from mild to severe. The CDC says these are the main symptoms to watch out for:

• fever or feeling feverish/chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• muscle or body aches
• headaches
• fatigue (tiredness)
• possible vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children than adults)

The agency notes that not everyone with the flu gets a fever.

Total flu illnesses reach 4.6 million nationwide 

​So far this season, the CDC estimates that at least 4.6 million flu illnesses have occurred. The agency estimates that there have been 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths from the flu.

If you’re feeling sick this holiday season, you should limit contact with others. 

​The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older who has not yet been vaccinated this season receive an annual influenza vaccine.  Approximately 130 million doses of the influenza vaccine have been distributed in the U.S. this season.

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