If you or someone in your family has come down with the flu recently, you’re definitely not the only one. New data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that respiratory illnesses are at their highest levels since the 1997–1998 flu season.
This year’s flu season has been especially tough, largely because of a fast‑spreading “super” variant known as subclade K.
What is the subclade K flu variant?
Subclade K is a newer version of the H3N2 flu virus. It’s sometimes called a “super flu” because it spreads quickly, but there’s no solid evidence that it causes more severe illness on a per‑case basis, it’s mainly just more common right now.
Flu viruses naturally change over time, and this one has picked up mutations that may help it spread more easily or slip past some existing immunity. H3N2 strains in general tend to hit older adults and people with chronic conditions harder, which is part of why doctors are paying close attention.
When experts call subclade K “severe,” they’re usually talking about its overall impact; things like higher hospitalization rates, reduced immunity from past infections, and the strain it can put on healthcare systems, not dramatically different symptoms for every individual.
Symptoms of subclade K flu
So far, H3N2 subclade K symptoms look similar to those of traditional influenza. Common symptoms include:
- Sudden fever or chills
- Persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Body and muscle aches
- Headache
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nasal congestion or runny nose
Some people, especially older adults, may experience more intense fatigue or complications such as pneumonia. Children and people with asthma, heart disease, or weakened immune systems are also at higher risk for severe illness.
How subclade K compares to typical flu strains
In most cases, symptoms are familiar. The key difference lies in how widely and quickly the virus spreads and how many people become sick at the same time.
Compared to milder flu seasons, a strain like subclade K may lead to higher rates of doctor visits, hospitalizations, and missed work or school days. This makes early prevention and timely treatment especially important.
Who is most at risk for flu complications?
Certain individuals are at higher risk for severe illness from the flu, including:
- Children younger than 5 (especially those younger than 2).
- Adults over 65.
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
- People with weakened immune systems due to medication or illness.
Certain health conditions can also put people at greater risk for flu-related complications, including:
- Asthma, CPOD or other chronic lung diseases.
- Diabetes
- Heart or blood vessel disease.
- Neurological disorders.
- Kidney and liver disease.
- Obesity.
- Pregnancy.
How can I protect myself against flu?
An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against influenza. It not only helps stop the spread of infection, but it also prevents serious complications if you do get the flu. Vaccines are readily available at pharmacies and other locations. Visit Vaccines.gov to find a flu vaccine near you.
Here are some more ways to protect yourself and others this flu season:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and keep your distance from others when you’re under the weather.
- Stay home when you’re sick. Flu is highly contagious and easily spread. If possible, stay home from work, school, and other activities until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medications.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk.
- Wash your hands. Frequent hand washing with soap and water (or alcohol-based sanitizer in a pinch) helps protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can be spread when you touch something that is contaminated with germs and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Mask up indoors. Wear face masks indoors to keep from getting sick and spreading infections to others.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill.
How is the flu treated?
Most flu symptoms can be treated at home with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including:
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve) to lower fever and relieve head and body aches.
- Spray or oral decongestants to help with a runny or stuffy nose.
- Expectorants, such as guaifenesin (Mucinex), to help clear mucus out of your lungs.
- Cough suppressants.
Important: Certain nonprescription remedies may not be safe or suitable for everyone, especially young children. Check with a health care provider for guidance.
Under certain circumstances, flu symptoms may also be treated with antiviral medications. Your health care provider may prescribe antivirals if you:
- Have had symptoms for under 48 hours. Antiviral drugs are less likely to work if you start them after two days of symptoms.
- Have an underlying condition or are at risk for severe illness, even when you have symptoms for more than 48 hours.
- Have severe symptoms, even if you’ve been sick longer than 48 hours.
- Live with or care for people who are at risk for severe complications of the flu.
Indigo can ease your mind and symptoms
If you think you might have the flu, Indigo Urgent Care makes it easy and convenient to get the care you need, when you need it. Simply walk in to one of our convenient neighborhood locations or schedule a virtual visit from the comfort of your couch or wherever you are when the flu has you down. We’re here every day from 8 am to 8 pm, including holidays and weekends.
It’s important to seek care for your flu symptoms if:
- Your symptoms don’t improve after 7 to 10 days.
- You have an underlying condition that puts you at higher risk for severe complications.
- Your fever lasts for more than 3 days.
- You’re pregnant.
One of our friendly providers will assess your symptoms and prescribe medication if needed. All of our locations offer rapid on-site lab testing for flu, so you’ll get quick results and the relief you need in no time.
Go to your nearest ER if you experience the following symptoms:
- Fever over 103 degrees.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Confusion.
- Chest or stomach pain that doesn’t go away.
- Low or no urine output.
- Persistent dizziness.
- Severe muscle pain or weakness.
- Seizures.
- Bluish skin, lips or nails.
- Fever or cough that returns after getting better or going away.
- Other worsening health conditions.
