CALIFORNIA STATE -California health officials are warning that influenza is picking up fast across the state, with cases and hospital admissions rising as a new strain of influenza A(H3N2) spreads. (OC Health Care Agency)
The warning comes as multiple counties have tragically confirmed flu-related deaths in recent weeks, including a child in Sacramento County and an adolescent in San Mateo County. (Sacramento County)
In total, CDPH data shows that 81 people have died from flu so far this season.
What health officials say is driving the surge
State and local health agencies are pointing to a newly emerged H3N2 strain known as “subclade K,” which has been detected in California and has been linked to waves of outbreaks in other countries. (OC Health Care Agency)
According to a health advisory shared by county public health agencies, this strain is “antigenically drifted” from the H3N2 component of the 2025-26 seasonal flu vaccine formulation, but officials stress that vaccination is still expected to help protect against severe disease…