H3N2 Subclade K Flu Spreads Rapidly: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

• H3N2 Subclade K, a mutant Influenza A strain, is rapidly spreading in the US and Europe, raising concerns among health experts.
• This highly contagious strain undergoes antigenic drift, enabling easier spread and potential evasion of immunity from past infections or vaccines.
• Symptoms are similar to regular flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue; they can be severe for vulnerable groups.
• The flu is highly contagious, spreadable a day before symptoms appear and for up to seven days after onset.
• Vaccination remains the most effective tool to reduce severe illness, hospitalization, and death, even if not a perfect match for every circulating strain.

Why It Matters: H3N2 Subclade K flu is rapidly spreading; vaccination and precautions are crucial for protection.