This year, the flu season is shaping up to be a tough one. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases are rising faster than in past years. Just last week, more than 19,000 people with the flu were admitted to hospitals, a significant jump from the previous week. So far, around 7.5 million people have fallen ill, and over 3,100 have died from the virus.
The surge in cases is largely linked to a new strain of the influenza virus, known as subclade K of influenza A(H3N2). This strain appeared in Australia earlier this year and seems to have spread quickly. Virologist Andrew Pekosz from Johns Hopkins University notes, “As this virus spreads, we expect to see a significant increase in flu cases.”
New York has been particularly hard-hit, reporting over 71,000 cases in just one week—an all-time high for the state. Other areas, especially in the northeast, midwest, and south, are also experiencing high flu activity.
Interestingly, experts like Florian Krammer from the Icahn School of Medicine warn that this strain doesn’t appear more severe than previous ones. However, changes in the virus might help it evade our immune defenses, leading to a wider spread. Krammer emphasizes, “There’s less immunity against this strain, allowing it to spread rapidly.”
There are concerns that this year’s flu vaccine may not be an ideal match for the new strain, which emerged after the vaccine was formulated last February. Demetre Daskalakis, former head of the CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, suggests a mismatch could occur—but insists that getting vaccinated is still the best line of defense. Preliminary data from the UK indicates the vaccine is about 30-40% effective in preventing hospitalization, which is in line with typical flu season effectiveness.
Despite the potential mismatch, vaccination rates in the U.S. are alarmingly low; only about 42% of adults have received their flu shot this year. Daskalakis advocates for more robust communication from the CDC to boost vaccination rates.
To reduce the risk of getting sick, people should consider wearing masks in crowded settings and practicing social distancing, especially if someone in their household is infected. Krammer also advises that if you do get the flu, it’s crucial to consult a doctor quickly to explore treatment options, which are most effective when initiated within 48 hours of symptom onset.
In conclusion, while the flu season may present serious challenges, understanding the situation and taking appropriate preventive measures can help minimize its impact. Stay informed, stay safe, and consider getting vaccinated to protect yourself and others this flu season.
