At a Glance
- 8 pediatric flu deaths reported this winter.
- New H3N2 subclade K is the dominant strain, driving record hospitalizations.
- New York recorded its largest weekly flu surge ever: 71,123 cases in a single week.
- Why it matters: The surge signals a severe season that could overwhelm hospitals and endangers unvaccinated children.
The 2025-26 flu season is turning deadly, with children falling victim to an unexpected H3N2 strain and hospitals across the country struggling to keep up.
Pediatric Deaths Rise Amid New Strain
CDC data show eight pediatric flu deaths this winter, and local officials have reported more. Kentucky’s Department for Public Health announced its first pediatric death on December 30, a child from Kenton County who was not vaccinated. The next day Ohio reported a teenage death from Greene County, and Minnesota influencer Paul Kim revealed his five-year-old son died from severe flu.
- Kentucky: first pediatric death, December 30, unvaccinated child.
- Ohio: first teenage death, December 31, Greene County.
- Minnesota: Paul Kim’s five-year-old son, death announced January 1.
Bruce Vanderhoff stated:
> “This death is tragic and our hearts go out to the family. It also reminds us that influenza, though common, is a serious health threat, and we urge parents to protect their kids.”
Record-Breaking Surge in New York
Health officials in New York reported the largest weekly surge in modern history, with 71,123 positive cases during the week of December 20. The cumulative hospitalization rate for week 51 ranked third highest in the past 15 years.
| Activity Level | Number of Regions |
|---|---|
| High or Very High | 32 |
| Moderate | 8 |
Subclade K: The Unexpected Driver
The season is dominated by subclade K, an H3N2 variant that differs genetically from predictions. Though not more severe on average, it has caused strong, early, or prolonged waves worldwide, including the UK, Japan, and Australia.
- Emerged in the Southern Hemisphere late winter.
- Quickly became the leading cause of flu cases worldwide.
- Vaccine mismatch, but still protects against serious complications.
Key Takeaways
- Eight pediatric flu deaths highlight the season’s severity.
- New York’s 71,123-case surge marks an unprecedented spike.
- Subclade K’s global spread underscores the need for vaccination.
With hospitals strained and a new strain in play, vaccination remains the best defense, especially for children.
