‘Super Flu’ Spreading Widely: States Seeing the Highest Impact, Symptoms to Watch For
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A potent flu strain is circulating nationwide, with some states experiencing particularly high infection rates. Here's what you need to know about symptoms and impact.
A new, potent influenza strain is making its way across the United States, and health officials are raising concerns. Compounding the issue, this particular strain isn't covered by this year's standard flu shot, medical experts have indicated.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a significant rise in hospitalizations. As of last Friday, the national hospitalization rate due to the flu had jumped by 14.3%.
Certain areas are experiencing more rapid spread than others. According to a report by The Hill on Friday, New York, Louisiana, and Colorado are currently flu hotspots. Furthermore, recent data up to December 13th shows New Jersey and Rhode Island also grappling with elevated rates of infection. In addition, Georgia, New Mexico, Idaho, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. are seeing increased hospital visits related to influenza-like illness.
Experts anticipate that the flu will continue its spread, affecting every state to some extent between now and the end of the typical flu season in February.
This dominant strain has been identified as subclade K. Preliminary analysis of influenza cases indicates that this subclade accounts for approximately 90% of influenza A viruses detected. It's important to note that the current flu vaccine doesn't provide protection against influenza A, a strain that, according to The Hill, poses the greatest risk of mortality among older adults. Nevertheless, health professionals still advise getting vaccinated, as it can potentially reduce the severity of symptoms if you do contract the illness.
According to the CDC, common symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some individuals may also experience vomiting or diarrhea. While most people recover within a few days or weeks, the CDC warns that complications such as pneumonia can arise, which can prove fatal in certain cases.
