Flu Cases Surge Ahead of Holiday Travel

Health officials are warning of a sharp rise in flu cases just as millions prepare to gather for the holidays. The CDC reports at least 4.6 million flu cases this season, with 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths nationwide—including three children.

The dominant strain driving the surge is subclade K, a mutation of Influenza A. Johns Hopkins professor Andrew Pekosz says the variant is proving difficult to fight: "We think this subclade K virus is evading population immunity, meaning more people are susceptible to infection."

Children, adults 65 and older, and those with underlying conditions face the highest risk. The full report above breaks down what doctors want you to know before holiday gatherings—including why this year's vaccine may offer less protection than usual.

To learn more, watch the full report by Jenn Sullivan above.