Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Flu Outbreak: Close To 3 Million People Affected, With 1.2k Dead In the US; Where's the Virus Hitting Hardest

US is facing a <span>flu</span> outbreak and as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, an estimated 2.9 million people have gotten sick so far this season. Among them, 1,200 have also died. This is the 'worst' flu season, point out many experts. For US, the country is seeing a post-Thanksgiving spike in <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/influenza">influenza</a></span>, and saw an 8% increase in people testing positive for the flu. 

<h2>Which Regions Are The Worst Affected By Flu In The US?</h2>

As of December 6, as per the latest national data, Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Louisiana are currently experiencing "high" transmission of the virus. 

An increase was also seen in Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico. These states are in the 'moderate' tier for flu cases. 

New York City moved into the most severe category for 'very high' flu activity. 

<h2>What Is Making This Flu Season The 'Worst'?</h2>

Much of this flu season is being driven by a new variant, a mutated <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/k-strain-flu-mutated-h3n2-virus-is-circulating-causing-super-flu-health-officials-say-it-is-never-too-late-to-get-vaccinated-steps-to-stay-safe-article-153270862" data-type="tilCustomLink">subclade K</a>, also known as the <span>super flu</span>. This is a subclade of H3N2 influenza, which is historically known for causing more hospitalization and deaths. The best line of defense is to get yourself vaccinated against the virus. “CDC recommends that every 6 months and older who has not yet been vaccinated this season get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine."

As of now, the CDC has distributed 127 million doses, however, things are expected to get worse before they get better. 

<h2>Not Just US, UK Too Is Struggling With The <span rel="noindex">K Strain Flu</span></h2>

Known as the superflu, this is H3N2 'subclade K'. It is a type of seasonal influenza A virus and people have not encountered much of it in the recent years. This is why there is less immunity against it. However, the National Health Service (NHS), UK, has already sent out a 'flu jab SOS' to vulnerable people.

NHS has confirmed that the super flu is circulating in England this year, and due to less immunity, it is making it easier to spread across people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged people to get a flu jab. As per the early data, this year's vaccine has offered good protection despite the new strain.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said that the major concern is that H3N2 is associated with a more severe illness and superflu could be "a very nasty strain of flu". He said that UK could be experiencing a "tidal wave" of illness.

<h2>Should You Get The Flu Jab Even If You Are Healthy?</h2>

Even if you are healthy, you should get the shot, say doctors. Vaccines are still working against the drifted influenza A (H3N2) subclade, also known as the super flu. The vaccines in high street chemists are sold for £20.

Anyone can be vaccinated, except for those who have a serious allergy to any of its ingredients or to the vaccine it self. The best way to know is to speak to the pharmacist and your GP.

For the vaccine to work, it usually takes up to 14 days. However, what is more important to not is that during the 14-day-long period, you are still vulnerable to catching the virus.

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US is facing a flu outbreak and as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, an estimated 2.9 million people have gotten sick so far this season. Among them, 1,200 have also died. This is the 'worst' flu season, point out many experts. For US, the country is seeing a post-Thanksgiving spike in influenza, and saw an 8% increase in people testing positive for the flu. Which Regions Are The Worst Affected By Flu In The US?As of December 6, as per the latest national data, Colorado, New Jersey, New York, and Louisiana are currently experiencing "high" transmission of the virus. An increase was also seen in Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Massachusetts, Michigan, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Puerto Rico. These states are in the 'moderate' tier for flu cases. New York City moved into the most severe category for 'very high' flu activity. What Is Making This Flu Season The 'Worst'?Much of this flu season is being driven by a new variant, a mutated subclade K, also known as the super flu. This is a subclade of H3N2 influenza, which is historically known for causing more hospitalization and deaths. The best line of defense is to get yourself vaccinated against the virus. “CDC recommends that every 6 months and older who has not yet been vaccinated this season get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine."As of now, the CDC has distributed 127 million doses, however, things are expected to get worse before they get better. Not Just US, UK Too Is Struggling With The K Strain FluKnown as the superflu, this is H3N2 'subclade K'. It is a type of seasonal influenza A virus and people have not encountered much of it in the recent years. This is why there is less immunity against it. However, the National Health Service (NHS), UK, has already sent out a 'flu jab SOS' to vulnerable people.NHS has confirmed that the super flu is circulating in England this year, and due to less immunity, it is making it easier to spread across people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged people to get a flu jab. As per the early data, this year's vaccine has offered good protection despite the new strain.Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said that the major concern is that H3N2 is associated with a more severe illness and superflu could be "a very nasty strain of flu". He said that UK could be experiencing a "tidal wave" of illness.Should You Get The Flu Jab Even If You Are Healthy?Even if you are healthy, you should get the shot, say doctors. Vaccines are still working against the drifted influenza A (H3N2) subclade, also known as the super flu. The vaccines in high street chemists are sold for £20.Anyone can be vaccinated, except for those who have a serious allergy to any of its ingredients or to the vaccine it self. The best way to know is to speak to the pharmacist and your GP.For the vaccine to work, it usually takes up to 14 days. However, what is more important to not is that during the 14-day-long period, you are still vulnerable to catching the virus.