Flu Cases Rising As New Strain Circulates In California – LAmag

The California Department of Public Health announced the rise of a new strain of flu – one that could leave both young children and older adults at risk

This Tuesday, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) published a release announcing elevated levels of a new strain of influenza quickly spreading in California.

A new strain of influenza A, H3N2 subclade K remains a higher risk to both young children and older adults, given its ability to cause severe flu complications. It has often been referred to as a “super flu,” due to the fact that it tends to last longer and become more easily transmissible to others.

But the term “super flu” isn’t a real term, according to an article published by Stanford Medicine. Flu mutations are common, and this subclade K mutation has developed the ability to elude some of the protections the current flu vaccine provides. But health professionals still recommend that individuals receive the vaccine in order to avoid more severe health complications from this virus.

Per the CDPH release: “Current seasonal flu vaccines remain effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalization, including the currently circulating viruses,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “It is important for families to know that flu vaccines, tests, and treatments remain widely available for all Californians and that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine. As a pediatrician, parent, and daughter, I have made sure that my own family is protected with this season’s flu vaccine.”

This subclade K strain was the cause of the second pediatric flu-associated fatality in California this season, the CDPH release also confirmed.

Notably, this CDPH warning follows just over a week after the CDC’s removal of the flu shot from the U.S. recommended childhood vaccine list earlier last Monday.