{"id":12616,"date":"2025-12-04T21:20:31","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T21:20:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/?p=12616"},"modified":"2025-12-04T21:20:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T21:20:31","slug":"what-is-the-new-flu-virus-variant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jamaicahospital.org\/newsletter\/what-is-the-new-flu-virus-variant\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the New Flu Virus Variant?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>A new variant of the flu virus, known as H3N2 subclade K, is affecting the U.S. this season, having circulated in other countries since the summer. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This variant is a mutated strain of H3N2, which is a subtype of influenza A. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H3N2 is the main type of flu spreading in the U.S. as of mid-November.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, scientists from around the world have reported that H3N2 subclade K, a mutation of H3N2, has undergone several mutations, which haven\u2019t been seen before in flu viruses. These mutations may make this new strain more severe than usual, with some experts suggesting that these changes could reduce the effectiveness of the current flu vaccine in preventing infection.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it is important to note that it is still recommended to receive the flu vaccine, as the CDC notes that the H3N2 subclade K strain can cause severe symptoms in older adults over the age of 65 and children under the age of five. Other people who are vulnerable to severe symptoms of the subclade K strain include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n