Keeping our community healthy this holiday season! ❤️

We hope your holiday season has been filled with warmth, laughter, and quality time with loved ones! While these gatherings are the highlight of the year, they are also a busy time for respiratory germs.

Currently, health experts are closely monitoring a particularly aggressive flu strain making its way across the country: H3N2 subclade K. This strain is moving quickly, and many people are finding that it hits much harder and faster than the typical flu.

The Good News About Your Immune System

Even though this new variant is a bit of a "mutation," your flu shot is still a powerful ally! If you’ve already been vaccinated, those related strains in the shot provide your immune system with a vital "blueprint" to fight back, which can significantly reduce your risk of a hospital visit.

If you haven't grabbed your shot yet, it is not too late! You can find the nearest location to get vaccinated here: EasyVax Search Tool

Recognizing the Symptoms: Flu vs. COVID-19

Because the symptoms of the current H3N2 strain and the "Nimbus" COVID variant are so similar, it can be hard to tell them apart. Doctors are seeing a massive surge in cases—specifically in New York (which just broke a state record for weekly cases), New Jersey, Colorado, and Louisiana.

https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/usmap.html

The most common symptoms being reported right now include:

1. "Explosive" Sudden Onset: Many describe a "cliff-drop" feeling—going from fine to very ill in just 2 to 4 hours.

2. Sudden High Fever: Temperatures are frequently hitting 102F to 104F almost immediately, often accompanied by intense chills.

3. The "Hit-by-a-Truck" Aches: Severe muscle pain (myalgia) is a hallmark of this year’s strain, particularly in the lower back, legs, and behind the eyes.

4. "Razor-Blade" Sore Throat: A sharp, stinging pain that makes swallowing difficult—now being seen in both flu and the new COVID variants.

5. Extreme Fatigue: A total "brain fog" and lack of energy that makes it difficult to even move from bed.

   
   

If You Feel Sick: Take Action Early

If you start feeling under the weather, please don't wait to see if it "just goes away."

• Get Tested Immediately: Ask your doctor for a "multiplex" test that checks for both the flu and COVID-19 at the same time.

• Ask About Antivirals: Medications like Tamiflu or the single-dose Xofluza are highly effective against this year’s H3N2 strain, but they work best when started within the first 48 hours.

  
  

6 Tips for Healing at Home

If you do test positive, focus on these steps to help your body recover faster:

• Rest is Non-Negotiable: Your body needs every bit of energy to fight the virus.

• Hydrate Constantly: Clear liquids, electrolyte drinks, and warm broths help thin mucus and prevent dehydration from fevers.

• Manage the Fever: Talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter fever reducers to keep yourself comfortable.

• Moisturize the Air: A humidifier can soothe that "razor-blade" sore throat and help with a dry cough.

• Consider Supplements: Zinc and Vitamin C can be helpful, but check with your pharmacist first for any interactions with your current medications.

• Keep Your Heart in Mind: Flu can put extra stress on the heart. If you feel any chest pain or severe shortness of breath, seek emergency care immediately.

Stay safe, stay warm, and let's head into the New Year healthy! ✨

For more details on the new Flu Strain:

www.cbsnews.com

Flu season is ramping up, and some experts are "pretty worried"

Doctors and scientists say this year's influenza season could be tougher than usual, with a new version of the flu virus, called H3N2, spreading quickly.

For more details on symptoms and flu Home Care:

www.prevention.com

Doctors’ Science-Backed Tips for Getting Over the Flu Faster

Plus, what—if anything—kills the flu virus.

#FluSeason#flu#H3N2#H3N2Virus#flushotseason