Health officials urge flu shots as new variant raises spread concerns
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Health officials are expecting a busy flu season following the discovery of H3N2 subclade K, a variant of the Influenza A strain.
According to the CDC, of the 91 Influenza A virus samples collected since Sept. 28, almost 87% belonged to subclade K.
The genetic mutation of subclade K makes it only partially covered by this year's flu shot. While experts haven't found data of an increased severity of symptoms, an increased rate of spread is expected.
"Most flu viruses that affect people are the influenza A and B varieties and every year we have a different mixture of those things circulating," Boone Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lana Zerrer said. "The flu vaccine was already decided upon with four different varieties of flu strains in them before a subclade K even showed up."
The CDC says flu rates begin to peak in December. The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services has already seen a surge with flu cases jumping from 16 to 40 between the end of November and the beginning of December.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also reported a state-wide increase in flu cases, rising from 181 at the start of November to 519 at the start of December.
Medical experts still recommend people get the flu vaccine, adding that it's not to late as flu season runs through April.
"If you're going to be around family, friends, people at Christmas who either are not at high risk or are at high risk for flu, it's still the best thing to do to go ahead and get that vaccine as soon as you can," MU Health Care Infectious Disease Physician Dr. Taylor Nelson said.
According to the CDC, United Kingdom data on this year's vaccine found that hospitalization due to the flu remained 70-75% for children and 30-40% for adults, suggesting that influenza vaccination remains an effective tool in preventing flu-related hospitalizations.
Vulnerable groups to the flu include people who are immunocompromised, children and the elderly.
Experts recommend common flu precautions, including handwashing, sanitizing work areas, covering coughs and sneezes, wearing masks and staying home when feeling sick.
Both Zerrer and Nelson said if a high-risk group begins to feel flu symptoms, it's recommended to check in with urgent care or a local physician.
"There are treatments now that can be given that can reduce the risk of hospitalization," Zerrer said.
"There are also other respiratory viruses that we may find such as COVID, Bacterial infections like pertussis, which we're also seeing an increased number," Nelson said. "There are other things we might need to figure out outside of influenza."
Flu-shot appointments are available locally through the Boone/Columbia Health Department, Boone Health and MU Health Care.
