Flu Season Hits Hard: What You Need to Know

The flu is spreading fast this year. A new strain of influenza A, called H3N2 subclade K, is making people sick. This strain spreads quickly and might be harder to fight off. Doctors are seeing more cases than usual, especially in kids. Hospitals are busy. In Massachusetts, many people are going to the doctor with flu-like symptoms. Last week, nearly 9, 000 people visited emergency rooms. A quarter of these visits were for flu, COVID-19, or RSV. Fewer people are getting the flu shot this year. Only 34% of people in Massachusetts have gotten vaccinated. That's down from last year. Doctors say the vaccine is still helpful, even if it's not a perfect match for the current strain.The flu can be serious. Some kids are getting very high fevers and having seizures. Doctors are seeing rare but serious complications, like acute necrotizing encephalopathy. This can cause problems with breathing and movement. Doctors urge people to get vaccinated. They also recommend staying home when sick, washing hands often, and seeking medical care early if symptoms get worse. For those at high risk, treatments like Tamiflu can be lifesaving.