Health experts say new strain could trigger a late flu wave

Public health experts say that although the flu season has been relatively mild, it is not over yet – and that a new strain may be partly to blame.

While the flu normally peaks in the middle of winter, a second peak is emerging nationwide.

"So it's a little late for this second peak, but this second series is usually linked to the strain of the influenza B virus," said Dr. Rachel Rubin, Chief Medical Officer of the County Public Health Department. Cook.

Recent data indicate that influenza activity is still elevated in several places. According to the CDC, influenza remains prevalent in 46 states, including Illinois. This number is down from 48 last week.

Nevertheless, health experts say the influenza season has been relatively mild, which the CDC attributes to an effective flu shot. This year's shooting was 47% effective against the most common strain and 60% effective for children aged 6 months to 17 years.

"We are never 100% sure of the quality of the vaccine because we can never predict with certainty how much the flu virus will mutate," said Rubin.

But the latest increase in the number of influenza-related illnesses could be due to a second, more powerful virus, known as H3N2 type A, experts say.

"The H3N2 virus is a more virulent strain and people who contract this virus are likely to become sicker than the more prevalent H1N1 virus this year," said Rubin.

It is not unusual for many influenza strains to spread in the country at the same time, but one type usually predominates.

Earlier this month, about 60% of the influenza virus samples tested were the H3N2 strain, which is more problematic.

Uncertainty about the type of H3N2 virus that will spread later this year has recently led the World Health Organization to postpone its decision as to which strains should be included in the influenza vaccine for next season .

So far, 69 children have died from flu-related complications this season, including three in Illinois.

CDC officials estimate that there have been about 20,000 to 30,000 influenza-related deaths so far this winter. They also believe that there have been about 300,000 influenza-related hospitalizations and about 25 million cases of influenza.

Last season, about 80,000 Americans died from the flu and its complications, the highest death toll in at least four decades. According to the CDC, in recent years, the number of deaths related to influenza has ranged from 12,000 to 56,000.

Experts say it's not too late to get vaccinated.

"The vaccine, although we can not say exactly how effective it will be, will help prevent H2N3," said Rubin.

To find a place to get a flu shot near you, click here.