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A new, more severe strain of the flu is making the rounds.
(Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention)
- A new, more severe strain of the flu is making the rounds.
- Forty-one children have died so far this season.
As influenza continues to spread across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that a new, more severe strain is on the rise.
The dominant strain of influenza at the beginning of the season was the influenza A H1N1. In recent weeks, more than half of the new cases reported have been influenza A H3H2, a variant of swine flu, the CDC reported in its weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report.
H3N2 is a non-human flu virus that comes from pigs. When a swine flu virus infects humans, it is called variant, notes the CDC.
"H1N1 flu viruses have been predominant this season, accounting for more than 70% of viruses tested this season, with the exception of the southeastern county, where H3N2 viruses have been predominant throughout the season," he said. Kristen Nordlund, CDC spokesman at weather.com The season was a predominant H3N2 season and it was one of the most difficult seasons we've had in recent years. "
Influenza A H3N2 affects CDC because it seems to be more easily transmitted from pigs to humans than other swine flu viruses. The agency is also concerned that it could change and start spreading easily from one person to another and notes that children born after 2001 have little or no immunity to the H3N2 virus.
"We know that the H3N2 virus can be more serious for older adults and very young children," said Nordlund.
Overall, cases of all influenza strains involving hospitalizations and deaths is "well below what was observed last season", 41 children have already died so far this season.
This year's influenza vaccine does not protect against H3N2, although researchers are trying to make a vaccine. However, an influenza vaccine is always recommended because it can reduce symptoms.
Nordlund noted that it's never too late to get vaccinated against the flu.
"As long as the flu spreads, vaccination should continue," said Nordlund. "It's important to know that it takes about two weeks for protection to install."
Even people who have had the flu this year may want to consider getting vaccinated, as several flu strains can infect in one season.
Among people at high risk for influenza complications are children under 5 years old, adults 65 years and older and pregnant women, says the CDC. People suffering from medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes and obesity are also at risk for flu-like complications, including pneumonia.
Antivirals like Tamiflu are effective at alleviating the symptoms of the flu, but they are most effective if they are given within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
The CDC recommends that people with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue should consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid a life-threatening complication.
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