So, the flu’s back — and it apparently missed us so much it showed up everywhere. Hospitals? Packed. ERs? Overflowing. Doctors are calling it one of the worst seasons in decades, thanks to a new “super flu” strain that refuses to mind its own business.
Right now, nearly every state is lighting up with “high” or “very high” flu activity. The Four-States area has some of the highest rates in the nation. Symptoms? The usual suspects: fever, chills, sore throat, aches, and that lovely “hit-by-a-truck” fatigue. Oh, and this year’s bonus feature — stomach issues. Because why not?
The culprit is a mutated H3N2 strain (subclade K, if you want to sound fancy). It’s highly contagious but not actually deadlier — just extra good at finding people who thought last year’s flu shot made them invincible.
Speaking of shots — it’s not too late. The current vaccine isn’t a perfect match, but experts say it still helps keep you out of the hospital. Especially if you’re a kid, senior, or anyone with a chronic condition.
Best defense? Get vaccinated, wash your hands like you mean it, test early, and for the love of all things cozy — stay home if you’re sick. Because the only thing worse than having the flu is giving it as a gift.
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