CENTRAL VALLEY, Calif. (KFSN) — The holidays and flu season are upon us, and medical professionals are warning people of a new version of the virus.
“Subclade K is a variant of the common flu strain that we are typically seeing this year. It’s known to be a little more aggressive and a little bit more infectious, but it has the same effects and same symptoms as your regular flu strain,” says Dr. Emanuele Maccalli, who is the Medical Director of inpatient Pediatrics at Kaweah Health.
Symptoms include fever, aches and muscle pains. You can also have a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and headaches.
“We have already shown an increase in hospitalizations, particularly in populations such as children under the age of five, and the elderly do seem to be hospitalized at higher rates even compared to last year, which was a very severe year,” explains Dr. Maccalli.
While it’s just taking hold here, this new flu variant has already run rampant overseas.
“In other countries, it has already been declared an epidemic. Here in the US, we still don’t know how it is going to be presented. It may cause some similar issues here in our country. But yes, this new subclade variant may be associated with more, higher transmission, with higher problems, with higher symptoms,” explains Dr. Saul Diaz Martinez, with Pediatrics at Adventist Health Hospital Fowler.
Doctors say the current flu shot does offer some protection.
The key is prevention, such as washing your hands and staying away from others if you feel sick.
It’s especially important to keep an eye on vulnerable populations, especially children under five, who are at higher risk of dehydration.
“I always encourage my parents to trust their parental instincts. If your child is not doing well, then bring them in to get checked out,” urges Dr. Maccalli.
Also, if over-the-counter medications are not working, it is important to know when to seek medical help.
“Debilitating symptoms, difficulty feeding, refusing liquids or decreased urinary output. It may be that there is something more serious going on, such as pneumonia or other complications for influenza, and they need to be seen right away,” mentions Dr. Diaz Martinez.
Doctors remind us that the flu is a serious virus that can have permanent consequences.
“This can be life-threatening. It can get very severe. Last year’s flu season was one of the highest instances of hospitalizations, particularly for children. This year, we are already seeing rates of hospitalizations that are even higher than last year,” says Dr. Maccalli.
Doctors say respiratory symptoms, including cough and difficulty breathing, are also reasons one should seek medical attention.
Again, they remind people that prevention is key, which includes frequent hand-washing.
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