It’s what’s called influenza A(H3N2), which is associated with worse diseases, especially in the elderly.”.

In the past, influenza A(H3N2) virus-predominant seasons were associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in people 65 and older compared with other age groups and other influenza viruses, according to a recent advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that warned about increased A(H3N2) activity.

Now, more than 2% of office visits are due to influenza-like illness — which, according to Petri, suggests the seasonal flu epidemic is close.

“It does appear that we are on track for the usual year of influenza, which is not good news,” he said.

“It’s very tragic, but every year we have several hundred children who die of influenza,” Petri said.

That seems like a long time, but another three months out of the almost 24 months that we’ve been so careful with masking and social distancing would pay benefits,” Petri said.

© 2021 WTOP.