The CDC released a report on Friday saying that a rare strain of influenza is particularly severe among children this flu season.
According to the CDC, the influenza B virus infection is more common among children and can cause complications, sometimes resulting in deaths.
According to CDC figures, 18 deaths among children are attributable to the influenza B strain from September through December.
A CDC expert told the Washington Post that despite this year's flu vaccine not being a match with this particular strain of the flu, a vaccine could still be beneficial.
“They are close enough so the vaccine offers some protection,” Lynnette Brammer told the Washington Post .
The last time influenza B was the predominant strain of the flu was the 1992-93 season.
"Influenza activity is expected to continue for many weeks in the United States; additional hospitalizations and deaths, including among children, are expected to occur," the CDC said.
