Super flu linked to 15 more child deaths as parents issue plea

Health officials reported 15 additional pediatric flu-related deaths this week, bringing the season total to 32, while national test positivity and hospitalizations have begun to decline.

Health officials reported 15 additional pediatric influenza-related deaths this week, bringing the 2025–2026 season total to 32. The season has been driven largely by an H3N2 subclade K variant that has been described in reporting as a more severe strain for some children. At the same time, national influenza test positivity and hospitalizations have shown recent decreases compared with the week before. Public health agencies continue to monitor cases and outcomes. Current data: - 15 pediatric flu-related deaths reported this week; season total 32, compared with 27 at this time last year. - Influenza test positivity for the week of January 10 fell to about 19% from 25% the prior week, and hospitalizations declined from 39,945 to 27,428 (about a 31% decrease). - The season’s dominant strain is reported as H3N2 subclade K, sometimes referred to in coverage as "super flu." - The CDC reported that nine in ten children who have died this season were not fully vaccinated, and reporting notes fewer than half of Americans had received a flu vaccine this season. Summary: The reported pediatric deaths have occurred amid a season dominated by a new H3N2 subclade K variant and have drawn attention from officials and families. Data indicate test positivity and hospitalizations are easing compared with recent weeks. Undetermined at this time.