Flu Season Expected to Intensify in Coming Weeks Due to New Strain
This flu season has been relatively mild so far, but medical experts expect it to intensify in the coming weeks due to a new strain that emerged after the current vaccine’s production. The new strain, known as subclade K, has resulted in the highest rate of flu hospitalizations in the United Kingdom, according to the U.K.’s National Health Service.
Data from the United Kingdom indicates that the current vaccine is only about 32-39% effective in preventing flu infection, though it is proving to be 72-75% effective in children, according to the University of Virginia. Frederick G. Hayden, a professor at the UVA School of Medicine, co-authored an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association analyzing the latest data. He said that in light of subclade K being a subtype of the strain that contributed to last flu season being “severe”, this season is likely to be severe as well.
Expert Insights and Warning Signs
According to Lisa Sollot, the respiratory disease program coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health, subclade K first emerged in Australia near the tail end of its flu season and has since been identified in Japan and the United States. A Dec. 11 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention supported the expectation that the virus is accelerating in the U.S. Hayden warned that “the 2024-25 influenza season, largely due to influenza A H1N1 and H3N2 viruses, was associated with high severity across all age groups, including an exceptionally high number of pediatric deaths.”
Sollot explained that there’s never been high-severity flu seasons in back-to-back years, and low vaccination rates combined with subclade K’s emergence may potentially lead to a severe season. CDC data for last flu season showed that about 90% of the children who died from the flu were not vaccinated, and 50% of those who died did not have any underlying conditions. Sollot emphasized the importance of vaccination, saying “everybody get vaccinated, wash your hands, and stay home when you’re sick.”
Vaccination Recommendations and Precautions
The CDC recommends influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with only rare exceptions. While the current vaccine may be less effective against subclade K, it will still reduce the risk of serious illness and potentially the spread of the virus. As the flu season is expected to intensify in the coming weeks, it’s essential to take precautions and get vaccinated to protect yourself and your loved ones.
For more information and updates on the flu season, visit Here
Image Source: www.twincities.com
