'Super' virus spreading uncontrollably... as New York sees most flu cases ever and experts warn 'we don't know when it will stop'
Cases of a 'super virus' are exploding across the US, with some states seeing more cases than ever before. Experts have also warned that there seems to be no end in sight for the surge.
The 'super flu' is exploding across the US, with some states seeing more cases than ever before.
The latest CDC data for the week ending December 20 shows positive flu tests are up 53 percent compared to the week prior. Positive tests are up nearly 75 percent from this time last year.
During the week ending December 20, the number of people hospitalized surged 51 percent, and the number already in hospital has nearly doubled compared to the same period last year.
The newest figures, which are updated through December 20, show 'very high' flu transmission in 21 states, with New York City, New York state, New Jersey, South Carolina, Louisiana and Colorado reporting the highest rates.
In New York, more than 71,000 flu cases were reported last week, the most the state has ever had in a single week.
Additionally, in the last week, two children in Kentucky and Alabama have died of the flu. According to the CDC data, there have been eight pediatric flu-related deaths this virus season.
Due to the surge, hospitals are enacting Covid-era restrictions on visitors and bringing back mask mandates to slow the spread of the dangerous new flu strain H3N2 subclade K, which experts believe is behind the flu's meteoric rise.
Duke Health in North Carolina announced this week it will limit hospital visitors starting January 6, 2026, to just two people ages 12 and over per patient. And Iredell Memorial Hospital in North Carolina said beginning this week, it will not allow anyone under 14 to visit.
Noah Smothers, a 14-year-old from Alabama, died this week from flu complications, his family and high school announced
This year’s dominant flu strain is brand new to people’s immune systems, making them highly vulnerable and at an increased risk of severe, hospitalizing illness.
Dr Neal Shipley, medical director of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, previously told Daily Mail it is important to recognize the symptoms that ring alarm bells so you know when to seek expert help.
Shipley said that in children, the flu comes on suddenly and may also cause vomiting and diarrhea. He said people over the age of 65 are at the highest risk of complications, including hospitalization and death.