Experts Warn of Severe Flu Season Ahead, Urge Vaccination Now

Health experts are predicting a challenging flu season this year, with infection rates currently classified as moderate in Texas. Cities nationwide are experiencing outbreaks of a new variant of influenza, referred to by some as a “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 reported spikes in infection rates.

Dr. Troisi outlines three primary reasons for the anticipated severity of this flu season. Firstly, the circulating strain is identified as influenza A, specifically the subtype H3N2. This particular virus is known for causing more severe illness compared to other strains. Additionally, the emergence of a new variant, designated as subclade K, raises concerns. Dr. Troisi explains, “A subclade is, if you think about a family tree—viruses have family trees—this is like maybe your nieces and nephews. So it’s connected, but not quite the same.” This new subclade has not been widely encountered, meaning many people lack immunity and are therefore at increased risk of illness upon exposure. Furthermore, preliminary data suggests that subclade K may spread more rapidly, although it does not appear to cause more severe disease than its parent strain, H3N2.

Vaccination rates are notably lower this year, which could exacerbate the situation. Early testing in England, where subclade K appeared before the United States, indicated that the annual flu vaccine offers some level of protection against this variant. Dr. Troisi emphasizes, “The influenza vaccine is not the best vaccine we have. People can still get sick. What it does better is protect you against severe disease and hospitalization.” Importantly, she reassures those who have yet to receive their flu shot that “it is not too late.”

In Texas, flu infections are on the rise, although the situation has not yet reached the severity seen in other regions. As the holiday season approaches, Dr. Troisi warns that increased travel and gatherings, particularly in colder climates where people tend to congregate indoors, could lead to a further uptick in cases. “We anticipate more influenza cases as we enter the holidays. There’s travel, kids are home from school, et cetera,” she states.

Additionally, while the majority of cases reported currently involve H3N2, another strain, H1N1, is also circulating. Dr. Troisi notes, “The vaccine will protect you against H1N1 if that happens to be what you’re exposed to.”

As flu season progresses, health officials stress the importance of vaccination as a key defense against severe illness. With the flu season still unfolding, individuals are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities.