The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that during the current winter season, influenza has caused 9,300 deaths out of an estimated 18 million infections across the United States. Among the fatalities, 32 children have been recorded, raising concern among public health officials.

According to the CDC, approximately 230,000 people have been hospitalized due to flu-related complications, placing significant strain on healthcare systems in several regions of the country.

The states hardest hit this flu season include Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, and North Carolina, where high levels of flu activity have been reported.

Health experts indicate that the surge in cases is largely driven by the spread of a new H3N2 variant, known as strain K, which has shown increased transmissibility and is considered the primary factor behind the rise in infections this winter.