A new and aggressive strain of the flu, identified as a mutation of influenza A H3N2 and referred to as subclade K, is currently spreading rapidly across the United States. This variant has been linked to a significant rise in flu cases globally, prompting health officials to closely monitor the situation.
According to the World Health Organization, this K variant represents a noteworthy evolution of the influenza A (H3N2) viruses, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the current flu vaccine against it. Experts report that the symptoms associated with the K variant can be particularly severe, including fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, and a runny nose.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that 89.8% of the influenza A(H3N2) viruses sampled since September 28 have belonged to subclade K. The CDC continues to publish weekly surveillance reports to track influenza activity, which includes monitoring outpatient respiratory illness across different states.
As of December 13, the states experiencing the highest levels of reported medical visits due to flu-like symptoms include:
– Very High (Level 1): New York City
– Very High (Level 2): New York State
– Very High (Level 3): New Jersey, Rhode Island, Louisiana, Colorado
– High (Level 1): Massachusetts, Connecticut, Michigan, Idaho, South Carolina
– High (Level 2): New Mexico
– High (Level 3): Washington, D.C., Maryland, North Carolina, Georgia
The CDC estimates that there have been at least 4.6 million flu illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths from flu this season alone. While it remains unclear if this year’s vaccine specifically combats the new K variant, getting vaccinated is still recommended as the most effective defense against the flu.
Dr. Neil Maniar, a public health professor at Northeastern University, has noted the early intensity of the K variant, emphasizing that it has already been responsible for severe illness in other regions where it has become prevalent. He describes this flu season as a “perfect storm,” exacerbated by lower vaccination rates and uncertainty regarding the vaccine’s alignment with the variant.
Despite the challenges posed by the K variant, Dr. Maniar reassures the public that it is not too late to get vaccinated. He highlights that vaccines can still provide essential protection against serious illness caused by the subclade K variant, especially as many indoor gatherings take place during the winter months.
The importance of vaccination is underscored by the fact that even individuals in good health can experience serious complications from the flu. For those who have yet to receive the flu shot, now is an ideal time, as immunity generally develops within a few days and reaches full effect in about two weeks. Health officials continue to encourage vaccination to mitigate the impact of this aggressive flu season.