SOUTH BEND, IN (WSBT) — Japan, Canada, and the UK have already been hit hard with this new variant of influenza.
This new super flu is already impacting cities across the nation. Doctors worry it could mean a severe flu season.
Whether you’re home for the holidays or traveling, the super flu may not be far behind.
The CDC estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases across the US since the season began and 1,900 patients have died.
The new influenza A mutation is named Subclade K but is being referred to as the super flu. Because it’s highly contagious with intense symptoms that come on rapidly.
“We think this subclade K virus is evading population immunity, meaning more people are susceptible to infection,” said Professor Andrew Pekosz, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Doctors say it’s important to wash your hands often and if you are sick stay home and limit exposure.
A map of the hardest hit states shows Michigan is already seeing high levels.
With all the holiday travelers, doctors worry it will continue to spread.
“It has mutations that may allow it to evade some but not all of the Influenza vaccine induced protection,” said Pekosz.
Experts say the Flu season is expected to last until February.
Doctors say it’s not too late to get your flu shot.
