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( The Hill ) — Despite a relatively slow start to the flu season, U.S. schools are preparing for an increase in absences and sick children as a new variant gains momentum .

The flu vaccine for the 2025-2026 season could be less effective against H3N2 subclade K , which has already caused spikes in hospitalizations in countries including Canada and the U.K.

Experts stress that the vaccine is still one of the best tools for avoiding a bad flu season and that children should stay home when they are sick, as schools are struggling with vaccine hesitancy and increased chronic absenteeism rates.

“Although the number of U.S.

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