Doctor Explains Unprecedented Flu Season Driven by Contagious Influenza A Subtype

Severe Flu Season Overview

• 🦠 U.S. health officials are observing unprecedented numbers of flu cases and hospitalizations this season.
• 📈 This season is already surpassing the severity of the previous year's flu epidemic.

Dominant Flu Strain

• 🔬 The majority of circulating flu is Influenza A, specifically a subtype known as subclade K.
• ⚡ Subclade K is believed to be more contagious and spreads more rapidly than other strains, contributing to the surge in cases.
• ⚠️ While subclade K is more infectious, it is unclear if it causes more severe illness.

Flu Vaccine Effectiveness

• 💉 The current flu vaccine is not specifically targeted at subclade K.
• ✅ However, there appears to be some overlap in protection, and getting vaccinated is still recommended.
• 🛡️ The vaccine may not completely prevent illness but is expected to reduce the severity of flu cases.
• ⏰ It is not too late to get vaccinated this season.