The new virus strain, subclade K, is a variant of the influenza A H3N2 subtype that has never circulated in people before. The US typically looks to the southern hemisphere when estimating how severe a flu season will be or what strain will emerge. The Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Australia said the country's flu season 'differed from what is typically observed.' Overall, subclade K viruses accounted for roughly half of the Australian viruses and more than two-thirds of the viruses in New Zealand. Subclade K viruses have now been detected in at least 34 countries.

Source: Daily Mail January 10, 2026 05:42 UTC