Flu Season: What's Going Around and How to Stay Safe

The flu is spreading fast across the US, and a new variant is making things worse. This isn't just any flu season; it's one that's starting earlier and hitting harder, especially in the Northeast. The numbers are clear: more people are visiting doctors with flu-like symptoms, and hospitals are seeing more cases than usual. This year, a new variant called subclade K is causing a lot of trouble. It's a type of H3N2, which is known for making people sicker, especially older adults. The flu season usually starts around October, but this time, it's already in full swing. States like New York, New Jersey, and Louisiana are seeing high levels of flu activity. The flu isn't just making people miserable; it's also causing serious illness. There's been at least one child death from the flu this season. Experts are warning that this could be a bad year for the flu, especially since the new variant wasn't included in this year's vaccines. However, the vaccines still offer some protection, even if it's not perfect. Getting vaccinated is still the best way to protect yourself and others. It takes about a week for the vaccine to work, so if you haven't gotten yours yet, don't wait. The flu can hit hard, with symptoms like high fever, cough, and body aches coming on all at once. If you do get sick, getting tested early can help, as there are medications that can make the illness shorter and less severe. But vaccines aren't the only way to stay safe. Wearing a mask in crowded places, avoiding high-risk settings, and improving ventilation can also help reduce the spread of the flu. It's all about taking steps to protect yourself and those around you.