A new and highly contagious variant of the flu, known as subclade K, is making its way across the United States and leading to a rise in severe symptoms and hospitalizations. This variant, which is a form of the H3N2 strain, has prompted concerns from health experts about its impact on both children and adults.
Dr. Juanita Mora, a representative from the American Lung Association, emphasized the importance of monitoring flu symptoms in children. In a recent interview, she noted alarming symptoms associated with this new strain, including high fevers, persistent coughs, vomiting, diarrhea, and significant joint and muscle aches. Patients have reported experiencing fevers soaring to 104 and 105 degrees, alongside more common flu symptoms like chills, headaches, sore throats, runny noses, fatigue, and coughs.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been an uptick in medical visits linked to respiratory illnesses, particularly in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Louisiana, and Colorado, which have shown “very high” outpatient visit numbers related to flu. Other states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, and South Carolina, are also experiencing a “high” number of cases.
Dr. Neil Maniar, a public health expert at Northeastern University, highlighted that this flu season is already proving to be severe, with Boston witnessing a staggering 114 percent increase in cases recently reported by the Boston Public Health Commission.
As of this year, approximately 1,900 individuals in the U.S. have died from flu infections, with around 49,000 hospitalizations reported, according to the CDC. This has raised alarms about the severity of the current flu variant and the necessity for heightened intervention.
Dr. Mora identified three critical warning signs indicating infection with the K variant. The first is a high and persistent fever. Signs of shortness of breath and dehydration are also significant indicators, especially if individuals, particularly children or the elderly, show reluctance to eat or drink.
While the current flu vaccine is not specifically formulated for the subclade K variant, Dr. Maniar urged individuals to receive the vaccine, as it can still provide symptom relief even for different flu types. He noted that with lower vaccination rates, combined with the aggressive nature of this variant, it is crucial to bolster vaccination efforts.
Additionally, concerns have surfaced regarding vaccine skepticism, with notable figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Donald Trump spreading doubts about vaccine effectiveness. Medical professionals have criticized these positions, underscoring that vaccines are essential for protection against severe illness.
Experts continually reaffirm that vaccination is one of the most effective measures to safeguard health against flu and other diseases, urging the population to prioritize getting vaccinated to combat the ongoing flu season effectively. As the situation develops, vigilance, and proactive health measures will be key in navigating this challenging health crisis.