‘Aggressive’ new flu variant sweeps globe as doctors warn of severe symptoms

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Flu seasonis among us, and a new strain has emerged as a major threat.

Influenza A H3N2, or the subclade K variant, has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases, including in the U.S.

Neil Maniar, professor of public health practice at Boston’s Northeastern University, shared details on the early severity of this emerging strain.

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“It’s becoming evident that this is a pretty severe variant of the flu,” he said.“Certainly in other parts of the world where this variant has been prevalent, it’s caused some severe illness, and we’re seeing an aggressiveflu seasonalready.”

female doctor wearing mask tests patient with nasal swab

Influenza A H3N2, or the subclade K variant, has been detected as the culprit in rising global cases.(iStock)

The variant seems to differ from prior strains of the flu, with heightened versions of typical symptoms like fever, chills, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat and runny nose.

Subclade K is the “perfect storm” for an aggressive flu season, Maniar suggested, as vaccination rates overall are down and this year’sflu vaccinedoes not address this specific strain.

flu season, both in terms of the total number of cases [and] the severity of those cases.”

Staying indoors during the colder months increases the risk of exposure to winter illness.(iStock)

Because subclade K is “quite different” from prior variants, Maniar said there is less natural immunity at the community level, further increasing the risk ofspread and severity.

Those who are unvaccinated are also at risk of experiencing more severe symptoms, as well as a higher risk of hospitalization, the doctor emphasized.

holiday seasonalso boosts the risk of infection, as gatherings, large events, and packed planes, trains and buses can expose people to others who are sick.

The flu vaccine can help to prevent hospitalization and reduce severe symptoms, doctors agree.(iStock)

Those who are not feeling well or exhibiting symptoms should “please stay home,” Maniar advised — “especially if you think you are in that contagious period of the flu or any of these other illnesses that we’re seeing … whether it’s norovirus orCOVID or RSV.”

“If you’re not feeling well, stay home.That’s a great way to recover faster and to ensure that you’re not going to get others around you sick.”

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For those who are unsure of their health status or diagnosis, Maniar recommends seeing ahealthcare providerto get tested.Some providers may be able to prescribe medication to reduce the severity and duration of the illness.

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“It’s important that everyone stays vigilant and tries to take care of themselves and their families,” he added.