Wednesday, January 14, 2026- California health officials have confirmed that a mutated influenza strain, informally dubbed the “super flu,” is now spreading widely across the state and driving flu hospitalizations to their highest level so far this season. The strain, identified as a subclade of H3N2 influenza A, may not be fully matched by this season’s flu vaccine, raising concerns about the intensity of the outbreak.
As of early January, test positivity for flu remained elevated in the state while hospital admissions rose to approximately 3.8 per 100,000 people, marking a seasonal high. A second pediatric flu death has also been reported in California this season, underscoring the seriousness of the surge.
Health experts describe symptoms from this strain as similar to typical flu including fever, body aches, cough, and headaches but note that its rapid spread and potential vaccine mismatch make it particularly troubling.
Even though the vaccine might not perfectly match this variant, officials stress it remains an important defense, significantly reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The California Department of Public Health is urging everyone aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated now, seek rapid testing if symptomatic, and pursue antiviral treatment for those at high risk.
Across the wider U.S., flu activity largely driven by similar H3N2 subclade outbreaks is elevated nationwide, with millions of illnesses and rising hospitalizations reported this season. In addition to the rising “super flu” cases in California, states like Colorado and regions across the country are grappling with record or near‑record flu hospital admissions, prompting renewed calls from public health officials to boost vaccination rates, practice good hygiene, and seek medical care early to prevent severe outcomes.
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