Health specialists have issued a caution regarding the signs of a novel flu variant that is rapidly spreading across the United States.
As we navigate through the depths of winter, the flu season is in full swing, and a new strain, referred to as ‘superflu,’ has emerged, according to health experts.
This particular strain presents symptoms that differ from the more common flu varieties typically seen or contracted during the colder months.
Concerningly, this new variant has not previously been detected in humans.
According to data from the CDC for the week ending on December 27, there were ‘very high’ reports of influenza in 32 US states, marking an increase from 22 states the week prior.
So, what are the characteristics of this new strain making its way across the country?
This strain, identified as subclade K, is officially termed H3N2, originating from the influenza A H3N2 subtype.
Dr. Juanita Mora, a national spokesperson for the American Lung Association, described some key symptoms of this strain.
In an interview with NBC Chicago, Dr. Mora highlighted that the fever associated with this strain may be resistant to common over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen and Tylenol.
She stated: “This new strain has symptoms of really high fevers.”
“It has a really bad cough that won’t go away, very phlegmy, and also vomiting and diarrhoea and lots of joint aches as well as muscle aches,” she added.
Dr. Mark Loafman, a family physician at Cook County Health in Illinois, noted that there’s ‘more fever with the flu this year than people are accustomed to,’ and that this flu can persist for five to seven days.
“And that’s worrisome,” he mentioned. “You feel ill, you feel sick, and you worry that you’re not getting better.”
Data from December indicates that approximately one in three flu tests were positive, up from one in four the previous week, a 21 percent increase.
Usually, the US examines flu patterns in the Southern Hemisphere to predict its own flu season and monitor any emerging strains.
Countries like Australia and New Zealand, which experience flu season before the US, can provide valuable insights.
This year, the Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Australia noted that the flu season ‘differed from what is typically observed.’
They reported that towards the end of the season, a rapidly spreading H3N2 variant became prominent and, in August, was a significant cause of respiratory-related deaths in Australia.