Brace yourselves: a ‘super flu’ variant is making its rounds, and experts are warning of a potentially rough flu season. This year, the influenza A H3N2 subclade K variant is causing concern.
This isn't just a minor blip; it's already making its presence known. The UK experienced an early and severe flu season, and now, this strain has crossed the Atlantic. According to the British Medical Association, the dominant strain in the U.S. is responsible for very high levels of flu in states like New York, Rhode Island, Colorado, and Louisiana, and high levels in several others.
Neil Maniar, director of the master of public health program at Northeastern University, noted that the situation in the UK, Europe, and Australia offers a glimpse of what's to come. He believes this flu season will be particularly challenging.
The primary worry? This dominant strain can lead to “some pretty serious illness.” But here's where it gets controversial: The vaccine's effectiveness might be lower this year.
Brandon Dionne, a Northeastern University associate clinical professor in pharmacy and health systems sciences, explains that the influenza strain underwent several mutations in the hemagglutinin surface proteins, which are used to trigger antibody responses in vaccine production. This means the vaccine isn't as well-matched to the current virus strain.
Flu vaccines usually have an efficacy rate of 40% to 60%. However, an early report from the United Kingdom estimates an efficacy rate of 32% to 39% in adults and 72% to 75% in children, based on reductions in hospitalizations.
Despite this mismatch, getting vaccinated is still crucial. Maniar emphasizes that the flu vaccine helps reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and above get the flu vaccine. While it was recommended in September or October, it's not too late to get vaccinated now. It takes about two weeks to build up a solid immune response, but you start developing some immunity within several days.
If you do catch the flu, treatment remains the same as for other influenza viruses. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an oral medication most effective when started soon after symptoms appear, typically shortening the duration by about 12 to 24 hours. It's sometimes used in high-risk patients, such as nursing home residents, even before symptoms develop. Home testing kits for flu A and B combined with COVID-19 are also available.
Symptoms of influenza include cough, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and sweating and chills.
Maniar isn't sure if the current variant is more virulent, but the fear is that it will be more widespread. The CDC reports 4.6 million cases of flu this season, including 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths — including two among children.
“This can be a very serious illness. We need to take it seriously, and we need to take measures to protect ourselves,” Maniar said. “As we go deeper into the flu season, this is likely to be a tough one.”
What are your thoughts on this year's flu season? Do you think the lower vaccine efficacy will impact your decision to get vaccinated? Share your opinions in the comments below!
