A severe flu surge in western Maine, driven by H3N2, has caused record ER visits, hospitalizations, and 10 deaths, with older adults most affected.

The Influenza A H3N2 strain is causing an earlier and more severe surge in flu cases in western Maine than in previous years, resulting in record ER visits, hospital admissions, and staffing shortages. Flu-like symptoms were present in 8% of doctor visits statewide, which is double the rate from the previous year. Adults 65 and older had the highest hospitalization rates, and three long-term care facilities had outbreaks. There have been ten flu-related deaths, three of which have happened in the last week. Health officials urge early vaccination despite a minor vaccine mismatch because it still offers strong protection against severe illness, citing reduced immunity from pandemic-related isolation, vaccine hesitancy, and delayed vaccinations as important factors.