Health experts are raising alarms about a potentially severe flu season this year, driven by a new variant of the influenza virus. While current infection rates in Texas remain at moderate levels, cities across the United States are reporting higher instances of a variant referred to as “super flu.” According to Dr. Catherine Troisi, a professor of epidemiology at UT Health Houston School of Public Health, areas such as New York have already seen significant spikes in infection rates.
Understanding the Threat of the H3N2 Strain
Dr. Troisi identifies three primary factors contributing to her concerns about the flu season. The first is the prevalence of the H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus, which is known to cause more severe illness. “This particular variant has been associated with increased severity in cases,” she stated.
Another factor is the emergence of the “super flu” variant, also known as subclade K. Dr. Troisi explained that this subclade is akin to the “nieces and nephews” in a family tree of viruses. “This new subclade has a different genetic makeup, meaning that many people lack immunity to it, which increases the likelihood of illness upon exposure,” she said. Additionally, preliminary data suggests that subclade K spreads more rapidly than its predecessors, although it does not appear to cause more severe disease than the original H3N2 strain.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Recommendations
Vaccination rates for the flu have significantly declined this year, raising further concerns among healthcare professionals. Early testing in England, which encountered subclade K earlier than the United States, indicated that the annual flu vaccine provides some degree of protection against this variant. Dr. Troisi emphasized that while the influenza vaccine is not perfect, it is crucial for preventing severe illness and hospitalization. “The vaccine helps shield against the worst outcomes,” she noted. “If you haven’t received your flu shot yet, it is not too late.”
Currently, Texas is witnessing a gradual increase in flu infections, but, according to Dr. Troisi, it has not yet reached the levels observed in other states. She anticipates that flu cases will rise further as the holiday season approaches, mainly due to increased travel and gatherings. “As children return home from school and people congregate indoors, particularly in colder climates, the risk of spreading influenza escalates,” she added. “While the majority of current cases are H3N2, the vaccine will also provide protection against the H1N1 strain if that variant emerges.”
As the flu season develops, public health officials continue to advocate for vaccinations, highlighting their importance in mitigating the impact of influenza on communities. With proactive measures, including vaccination, the severity of the season can potentially be lessened.
