It's the time of sneezing, coughing, hacking and wheezing. Cases of the flu are surging throughout much of the United States as the new year begins.
In its latest Influenza Surveillance Report, published on Dec. 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported "high" or "very high" levels of flu activity in 32 states and jurisdictions. From the week before, healthcare providers saw a 6% uptick in patients with respiratory illnesses.
The newest influenza strain, Subclade K (or A(H3N2), J.2.4.1), is a mutation of influenza A. Though data has yet to show that this new strain, penned "super flu," has an "increase in disease severity" compared to previous influenza A strains, the World Health Organization, reports it is a notable evolution.
The CDC continues to encourage folks to get influenza vaccinations, especially children and people who are pregnant.
As the flu season remains underway, here's what to know about common influenza symptoms, including those that require medical attention.
