Flu Cases Increase in the US, CDC Reports 7.5 Million Illnesses

Flu activity is sharply increasing in the U.S., with the CDC reporting at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths this season, including eight pediatric deaths. The rise is linked to a new variant, subclade K of the H3N2 virus, which has caused spikes in other countries. Public health experts urge vaccination, as only 42% of the population has received the flu shot, and recommend preventive measures to curb the spread of illness.

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