The United States may experience a harsh flu season as the dominant H3N2 virus causes more severe symptoms than last year's H1N1 strain and spreads more rapidly. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows flu infections rising in 39 states, though rates remain low currently. The H3N2 virus acquired seven mutations over summer that help it evade immunity. "We're likely a few weeks out from things getting really serious, and that means now is the time to get vaccinated, because it takes a couple of weeks for full protection," said Sam Scarpino from Northeastern University. Britain experienced cases triple last year's numbers with its flu season starting a month early. Australia had its worst flu season in history. The CDC estimates last year's flu caused at least 38,000 deaths, including 279 children. (Story URL)
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