With flu season peaking, a new variant known as subclade K is driving a sharp rise in illness and hospitalizations across 32 states. According to Johns Hopkins virologist Andrew Pekosz, this strain has mutated to evade preexisting immunity and is a “mismatch” for this season’s vaccine, lowering its effectiveness against infection.
Despite the mismatch, Pekosz emphasizes that the shot still offers vital protection against severe disease. Over 3,000 people have died so far, with children and seniors most at risk. The outbreak began in New York but is now spreading nationwide. Experts urge the unvaccinated to get a shot now, as the flu season is expected to last for weeks.
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