The Flu Season of Disproportionate Distress: Experts Weigh In on the Devastating Consequences of H3N2.
For Natalie Rowe, a 42-year-old web designer from the UK, this holiday season was interrupted by what she described as the worst flu she's ever had. What started with a throat soreness and body aches soon turned into a debilitating illness that left her bedridden for three days, with high fever, fatigue, and brain fog.
Rowe is not alone in her misery. According to new data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 11 million people have fallen ill from the flu so far this season, resulting in 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. The dominant strain of H3N2 virus has been responsible for most cases, with subclade K accounting for a staggering 90% of these.
So, what's behind this unusually severe flu season? According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, it's primarily due to the evolution of the H3N2 strain away from what's contained in the vaccine. The virus has mutated seven times since last summer's peak in the Southern Hemisphere, making it easier for people to get sick.
Antigenic drift, a gradual process where the virus reproduces and develops mutations, is not enough to provide immunity against the new strain. Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan of the New York Institute of Technology campus notes that while the flu shot was not perfect, it's still effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization.
However, for many people, this year's flu has felt worse and different. Cherelle Palmer, a licensed mental health counselor from Florida, describes her experience as "significantly impacted" her daily functioning. She experienced extreme fatigue, low energy, and an overwhelming need to nap – symptoms that left her feeling like she was "blah."
The impact of the flu can be long-lasting. According to Dr. Rajnarayanan, persistent symptoms after influenza are not new, but they're receiving less attention in light of COVID-19. However, a recent study published in The Lancet found that the long-term risks associated with flu appear to be far less prominent than what's been documented with long COVID.
As we navigate this challenging flu season, experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated. The flu shot remains the best way to reduce severe flu outcomes. Dr. Rajnarayanan advises those who are sick to avoid crowds, get tested, and start antivirals early. By taking these precautions, we can mitigate the devastating consequences of H3N2 and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
The reality is that this year's flu season will continue to evolve, but one thing remains certain: it's essential to prioritize public health and take proactive measures to protect ourselves.
For Natalie Rowe, a 42-year-old web designer from the UK, this holiday season was interrupted by what she described as the worst flu she's ever had. What started with a throat soreness and body aches soon turned into a debilitating illness that left her bedridden for three days, with high fever, fatigue, and brain fog.
Rowe is not alone in her misery. According to new data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 11 million people have fallen ill from the flu so far this season, resulting in 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. The dominant strain of H3N2 virus has been responsible for most cases, with subclade K accounting for a staggering 90% of these.
So, what's behind this unusually severe flu season? According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, it's primarily due to the evolution of the H3N2 strain away from what's contained in the vaccine. The virus has mutated seven times since last summer's peak in the Southern Hemisphere, making it easier for people to get sick.
Antigenic drift, a gradual process where the virus reproduces and develops mutations, is not enough to provide immunity against the new strain. Dr. Rajendram Rajnarayanan of the New York Institute of Technology campus notes that while the flu shot was not perfect, it's still effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalization.
However, for many people, this year's flu has felt worse and different. Cherelle Palmer, a licensed mental health counselor from Florida, describes her experience as "significantly impacted" her daily functioning. She experienced extreme fatigue, low energy, and an overwhelming need to nap – symptoms that left her feeling like she was "blah."
The impact of the flu can be long-lasting. According to Dr. Rajnarayanan, persistent symptoms after influenza are not new, but they're receiving less attention in light of COVID-19. However, a recent study published in The Lancet found that the long-term risks associated with flu appear to be far less prominent than what's been documented with long COVID.
As we navigate this challenging flu season, experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated. The flu shot remains the best way to reduce severe flu outcomes. Dr. Rajnarayanan advises those who are sick to avoid crowds, get tested, and start antivirals early. By taking these precautions, we can mitigate the devastating consequences of H3N2 and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.
The reality is that this year's flu season will continue to evolve, but one thing remains certain: it's essential to prioritize public health and take proactive measures to protect ourselves.
I feel so sorry for all those people who got hit hard by the H3N2 flu this year 
. It's like the virus just keeps changing its game, making it harder to fight off. And yeah, I remember when COVID-19 first came around and we were all like "what's going on?!" 
Now we're dealing with a new strain of flu that's even more unpredictable.
. That stuff really works! And I'm so glad he's reminding us to take care of ourselves when we're sick, like getting tested and antivirals early 
. I mean, it's not just about feeling crap for a few days and then bouncing back; some people are really struggling for weeks afterward. We need to make sure we're supporting those people who are going through it 
.
it's like they're not learning from their past mistakes 
.
.
the numbers are crazy 11 million ppl already sick and it's only december ...it's like the virus just mutated into something more aggressive or smthn 
I don't get why these strains of the flu keep evolving to make us sick in the first place 
Dr. Rajnarayanan said something about antigenic drift, but honestly, who cares about that when you're lying in bed with a fever 
The flu shot is still effective, yeah, I get it... but what about those of us who got the real deal? 
Cherelle Palmer's symptoms sounded SO rough 
like, extreme fatigue and energy crashes... can't even function during the day?! 
and get vaccinated ASAP! It's not just about you, it's about protecting those around you 
Dr. Rajnarayanan is right, we should avoid crowds, get tested, and start antivirals early... it's not that hard 
I wish someone told me to do all these things when I was feeling under the weather 
can't wait for it to be over 
. The fact that it's so bad is partly because the virus has mutated seven times since last summer 
. Some people seem to be experiencing extreme fatigue and brain fog for days after getting sick 
. Getting vaccinated is a no-brainer, and taking precautions like avoiding crowds and getting tested early can make all the difference 
, even after you've recovered. i think its cuz we've had covid for so long now that our bodies have just gotten used to being sick all the time 
:
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! 11 million people falling ill is crazy, I mean I've seen more patients at my aunt's birthday party 
. But seriously, 5,000 deaths? That's not exactly a laughing matter 
.
. The fact that it's affecting so many people, especially those over 40 like Natalie Rowe, is concerning 
. The idea that the virus has mutated seven times since last summer is alarming 
. I think what's even more striking is how long-lasting these symptoms can be, leaving people feeling drained and lethargic for days on end 
.
... have you ever tried those sweet potato fries with truffle oil? I swear, they're like a taste explosion in your mouth! But anyway, back to the flu season... what's crazy is that it feels like every year we're told that this will be the one where things get better, but then BAM! We're dealing with another bad outbreak 
. 11 million people falling ill? That's crazy! And the fact that it's so much worse than usual is really concerning me. I know Dr Adalja said the vaccine wasn't perfect, but still, shouldn't we be able to get some protection from it? 
. It's not just the physical symptoms that are bad, but the mental toll too. Fatigue is like, the ultimate party pooper 
. It's no wonder experts say this flu season is getting worse, not better 
. But, at the same time, I'm glad to hear that the flu shot still works in preventing severe disease and hospitalization 
. The fact that persistent symptoms after influenza are receiving less attention is concerning 
. But, by getting vaccinated and taking precautions like avoiding crowds, getting tested, and starting antivirals early 
. And for those of us who aren't feeling 100%, taking care of ourselves by getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can make all the difference 
. The fact that the H3N2 strain has mutated so much already makes me think the vaccine might not be as effective as we thought 
I'm not gonna lie, this flu season is a real bummer 
! All those people feeling "blah" and exhausted are probably getting some well-deserved rest and self-care time 
. And hey, if the flu is making us more aware of the importance of getting vaccinated, that's a silver lining 
! Plus, scientists are working hard to understand the H3N2 virus and find ways to combat it 
. So, let's focus on the good stuff – our resilience and ability to adapt! 
... I mean, can't the CDC just make a vaccine that keeps up with these strains already? 
It's like they're playing a game of flu-flu with us... 11 million people getting sick is crazy, what's wrong with them? 
and i'm so glad we're finally home