Flu variant that hits kids and seniors harder than other strains is dominant in U.S. right now - CNBC

The H3N2 variant has been associated with more severe flu seasons for children and the elderly in the past, according to Dr.

The flu hospitalization rate has surged to a decade high this season.

Overall, about 8 people per 100,000 are being hospitalized with the flu right now but seniors and the youngest children are much harder hit than other age groups, according to CDC data.

"When we have more H3N2, we usually have a more severe flu season — so longer duration, more children affected, more children with severe disease," said Dr.

The other influenza A variant, H1N1, is generally associated with less severe seasons compared with H3N2, Shane said.