New ‘aggressive’ influenza strain emerges as health threat
A new strain of influenza, which is highly contagious and aggressive, is sweeping the nation. A mutation in influenza A H3N2 called subclade K was found.
Fox – 5 DC
This is the time of year when we sneeze, cough, hack, and wheeze. As the new year begins, influenza cases are surging across much of the United States.
In its latest influenza surveillance report released Dec. 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 32 states and jurisdictions had “high” or “very high” levels of influenza activity. Health workers noted a 6% increase in patients with respiratory illnesses from the previous week.
The newest influenza strains, subclade K (or A(H3N2), J.2.4.1), are mutations of influenza A. Although data does not yet show that this new strain, dubbed the “super influenza,” has “increased severity” compared to previous influenza A strains, the World Health Organization reports that this is a notable evolution.
The CDC continues to encourage people, especially children and pregnant people, to get the flu vaccine.
With flu season still underway, here’s what you need to know about common flu symptoms, including those that require medical attention.
What are common flu symptoms?
According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of the flu are:
- heat
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle pain or body aches
- headache
- fatigue
- Some people may experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults.
Flu symptoms that require medical attention
The CDC advises seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms persist, worsen, or develop into any of the following:
- Rapid breathing, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Your child’s lips and face turn blue
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, inability to wake up
- dehydration
- Fever and cough improved but returned or worsened
- seizure
- Fever of around 104 degrees Fahrenheit that cannot be controlled with medication
- For children younger than 12 weeks, if they have a fever
- worsening of chronic conditions;
What is the difference between a common cold and the flu?
The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses and are caused by different viruses. According to the CDC, the flu is caused by the influenza virus, but the common cold can be caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In terms of symptoms, the symptoms of a cold are milder than those of the flu. People who have a cold are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose, and colds don’t tend to cause serious health problems.
Greta Cross is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Story ideas? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
