Mandy
Flu season is taking a new turn across the United States. While one strain of the virus is slowing down, another is rapidly increasing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), several states — including Kansas — are now experiencing very high flu activity, placing them in the agency’s most serious category.
This shift in flu patterns highlights the evolving nature of influenza viruses and the importance of vaccination, especially for children.
Influenza A Declines While Influenza B Gains Ground
During the holiday season at the end of last year, influenza A, particularly the H3N2 subclade K variant, was the dominant strain spreading nationwide. The variant infected such a large number of people that it earned the nickname “super flu.”
Although influenza A remains the most frequently detected strain, its dominance is gradually decreasing. In contrast, influenza B has been steadily rising for two consecutive weeks.
According to national laboratory data from the final week of January:
- Influenza B accounted for approximately 23% of all tested flu cases.
Health officials note that this seasonal transition is typical. Influenza A generally peaks earlier during winter, while influenza B tends to appear more frequently in late winter and early spring.
States Facing Very High Flu Activity
The CDC’s latest surveillance report shows that flu levels remain elevated across the country. Most regions are either stabilizing or improving. However, the Pacific Northwest continues to see worsening conditions.
Seven states are currently classified in the CDC’s highest tier for flu activity (“very high”):
- Oregon
- Arkansas
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Missouri
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
In addition, 20 other states are experiencing high flu activity, shown in red and orange shades on the CDC’s national flu map.
Flu Season Severity: Children Hit Hardest
The impact of this flu season has been especially serious for children.
At the end of January, the CDC confirmed:
- Eight additional pediatric flu-related deaths
- Bringing the total number of pediatric deaths this season to 60
Even more concerning is the vaccination status of these cases:
- 90% of the children who died were not fully vaccinated against influenza
Because of these numbers, the CDC now categorizes this flu season as:
- High severity for children
- Moderate severity for adults and individuals aged 65 and older
This distinction highlights how vulnerable children can be during severe flu seasons.
Why Vaccination Still Matters
The CDC continues to strongly recommend influenza vaccination, emphasizing that it reduces the risk of infection and serious complications.
The agency stated that:
“Influenza (flu) vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications. There is still time to get vaccinated against flu this season.”
Even though the season is already underway, vaccination can still offer protection against circulating strains.
Understanding the Different Types of Influenza
There are four recognized types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Influenza Type | Common Impact | Seasonal Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza A | Most common and often severe | Peaks earlier in winter |
| Influenza B | Increasing later in season | Rises in late winter/early spring |
| Influenza C | Mild illness | Does not cause large outbreaks |
| Influenza D | Primarily affects cattle | Not a major concern for humans |
While influenza C typically causes mild symptoms and does not lead to widespread epidemics, influenza D mainly affects cattle and is not considered a major threat to public health.
The current flu season continues to evolve, with influenza B rising as influenza A gradually declines. States like Kansas and several others are experiencing very high flu activity, especially impacting children.
With pediatric deaths reaching 60 and most occurring among unvaccinated children, the importance of flu vaccination cannot be overstated. Although overall flu levels are stabilizing in many regions, some areas — particularly the Pacific Northwest — are still facing worsening conditions.
Staying informed, getting vaccinated, and recognizing symptoms early remain critical steps in protecting communities during this high-severity flu season.