- Flu activity remains elevated longer than in recent seasons.
- Antigenically drifted strains may affect transmission and vaccine match.
- Vaccination and healthy habits still offer meaningful protection.
If you have recently had the flu, you may have wondered why it feels particularly severe this season. With intense variants continuing to spread and influenza-associated hospitalizations at their highest since the 2010-2011 season, it’s safe to say you’re not alone. We chatted with a doctor to learn more.
Is Flu Season Lasting Longer?
“Compared to past flu seasons, activity this year has remained elevated for longer and is showing more regional variability, rather than the sharper post-peak decline we typically expect,” says And RedcrossMDauthor of Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor. He explains that while winter storms are likely correlated with the plateau in overall flu cases, numbers are rising quickly in parts of the western United States due to a combination of factors, including sustained community transmission and the new subclade K viruses.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, subclade K viruses have been characterized as “antigenically drifted,” which means that the genes of the influenza viruses can change over time, ultimately making it difficult for the body to recognize them. “This strain is evolving quickly, which may contribute to increased transmission and has raised concerns about vaccine match and effectiveness,” says Redcross.
Who Is at the Highest Risk?
“From a physician’s perspective, those at highest risk for flu right now include older adults, young children, pregnant women and individuals with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or weakened immune systems. These groups are more vulnerable because their immune systems may not respond as strongly to infection, making them more likely to experience complications,” explains Redcross.
Because community transmission rates remain high, otherwise healthy individuals should also take extra precautions—especially those who are unvaccinated or who regularly find themselves in close-contact situations, like work and school settings.
Practical Tips for Protecting Yourself Against the Flu
Redcross says vigilance and preventative measures, including vaccinations, will continue to provide meaningful protection as we move through the flu season, and offers these helpful tips:
- Regular handwashing
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying home when you are sick
- Wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings
- Prioritizing sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Managing stress, which helps support a healthy immune system
Symptoms to Watch for—and When to Seek Care
Even when symptoms seem manageable, Redcross says it’s important to pay attention to those that go beyond fever, chills, and body aches, including:
- Extreme fatigue that feels disproportionate to a typical cold
- Persistent low- to moderate-grade fever and high fever
- A lingering or worsening cough
- Headaches that do not improve with rest
“If your symptoms become significantly worse after the first three days of illness, especially if your fever subsides and then returns, be sure to seek medical attention right away. The reason that flu is considered a potentially dangerous infection is that it leaves the body vulnerable to other infections like pneumonia,” advises Redcross.
While there are ways to protect yourself from the flu, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider when you start to feel under the weather. Getting advice from a trusted professional—plus plenty of rest and hydration—can help you recover safely and start feeling better more quickly.
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