Science/Medicine

Early U.S. surveillance shows an H3N2 influenza strain—now including a new variant—dominating this season, which historically correlates with more severe illness, experts told NPR on Nov. 19, 2025. UK early-season data suggest current vaccines reduce hospitalizations by about 70–75% in children and 30–40% in adults; HHS said it is too early to know how U.S. vaccines will perform and urged individuals to discuss risks and benefits with their providers.