6 Things You Need to Know About This Flu Season
Influenza A (H3N2) viruses have been most common this season. H3N2-predominant seasons have tended to be more severe. However, other flu viruses are circulating too, contributing to serious illnesses. This season, the highest hospitalization rates have been in people 65 years and older, followed by people 50-64 years, then children 0-4 years of age. About 90% of influenza A-related hospitalizations in people 65 and older have been associated with H3N2 virus infections. About 20% of influenza A-related hospitalizations in people 50-64 have been associated with H1N1 virus infections.