Flu season has arrived earlier than expected in the U.K., with cases starting to rise in October, over a month before epidemiologists typically anticipate the season to begin. Fueling this surge is a new flu variant, which, while flu viruses constantly evolve, has accumulated an unusually high number of mutations in a short span.“This strain has changed faster than usual, showing more mutations than we typically observe,” explains Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at the U.K. Health Security Agency (UKHSA).What Is Subclade K?The new variant is called influenza A subtype H3N2 subclade K, often shortened to “subclade K,” and it has also been detected in Japan, where authorities declared a flu epidemic last month.These mutations make the virus slightly different from the components included in this year’s updated flu vaccines. At the end of October, Canadian scientists highlighted that the changes needed close monitoring, including regular sequencing of the virus and evaluation of whether current vaccines remain effective.On November 12, Lopez Bernal and the UKHSA team shared early findings suggesting that, so far, vaccination continues to offer significant protection against hospitalization and severe illness.Still, the level of protection resembles what is usually seen late in the flu season, when the vaccine’s effectiveness naturally decreases and the mismatch between the virus and the vaccine rises.Subclade K SymptomsThe subclade K (H3N2) flu variant causes the same classic flu symptoms, though some doctors have observed that it may lead to more severe illness in some cases. There are no symptoms unique to subclade K; the main concern is its rapid spread and ability to bypass some immunity, according to the NHS.Typical flu symptoms associated with subclade K include:Sudden high fever and chillsFatigue and overall weaknessHeadacheMuscle aches and painsDry, chesty coughSore throatRunny or blocked noseLoss of appetiteTrouble sleepingDiarrhea or vomiting (more common in children)Doctors caution that flu from this variant can be much worse than a standard cold, often leaving people confined to bed for a week or more.Is Subclade K In The U.S.?During the U.S. government shutdown, the flu-tracking site run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not been updated. As of Nov. 13, the most recent data is from late September, when flu activity was low.However, the New York State Department of Health reported that for the week ending Nov. 1, laboratory-confirmed flu cases had risen by 49% from the previous week, and hospitalizations were up 71%, matching roughly the levels from the same time last year. These figures don’t include subtyping, so it’s unclear whether the subclade K variant has reached the U.S. yet.Subclade K Flu: How To Stay SafeVaccination remains the best defense against the flu. Influenza claims thousands of lives annually and poses a particular threat to children and older adults.“Children are at higher risk of serious illness from flu, so it’s crucial they get vaccinated. This also protects their relatives, especially vulnerable or elderly family members who may be exposed,” advises Lopez Bernal of the UK Health Security Agency. Even with the mutations seen in this new variant, the vaccine remains a key tool in protecting against severe disease.
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