Flu cases surge in U.S. and Canada, driven by H3N2, with high hospitalizations and deaths; officials urge vaccination.

Flu cases are rising sharply in both Canada and the U.S., with Canada reporting a 27.7% flu test positivity rate—the highest in three seasons—driven by H3N2, H1N1, and influenza B strains, especially H3N2. In the U.S., over 4.6 million flu illnesses have been recorded, with 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths; the A(H3N2) subclade K variant, which reduces vaccine effectiveness, accounts for 90% of cases. Pediatric flu deaths have reached three this season, part of a concerning trend, as vaccination rates among children remain low. Health officials in both countries stress it’s not too late to get vaccinated, as the flu shot still helps prevent severe outcomes, especially for high-risk groups.