‘Super flu’ hits Calif. as hospitalizations peak and second child dies

It’s “super flu” season in California.

The mutated influenza strain — a highly aggressive offshoot of Influenza A — is spreading faster and hitting patients harder, as a second child has died, according to the California Department of Public Health.

The first child death was recorded in San Mateo, just south of San Francisco, a week ago, the LA Times reported.

“I think this particular strain makes people feel pretty horrible,” Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert, told SFGATE. “And the reason that subclade K is important is it may not be covered by the current flu vaccine.”

The super flu causes many of the same symptoms as a typical influenza infection but with greater severity.

Patients often experience a sudden onset of fever and chills, along with coughing, sore throat, congestion, headaches, extreme fatigue and muscle aches. In some cases — particularly among children — the illness can also lead to vomiting or diarrhea, doctors say.

Flu activity continues to rise nationwide, with most cases this season tied to a newer influenza strain, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show.

In California, flu-related hospitalizations have climbed to a seasonal high — about 3.8 admissions per 100,000 residents as of Jan. 3 — despite overall flu activity showing signs of easing, according to state health officials.

Children appear to be more susceptible to the strain, with higher positivity rates reported among pediatric patients, including two deaths.