Just when you thought you were in the clear, multiple outlets begin reporting on the resurgence of a second strain of the flu. And CDC data confirms it: For the week ending on March 17 (the most recent available data at the time of this post), the B-strain of the virus started outpacing the A-strain H3N2 that dominated the season. There’s a new flu in town.
So what does that mean for you? You’ll want to be extra vigilant if you have a young child at home, since influenza B tends to be worse for them. And yes—it is possible to get sick with this strain even if you already contracted the A-strain earlier this season. Should that happen, expect symptoms that are equally severe.
Some reassuring news, though: A CDC rep tells The Bump via email that this was not unexpected. This B-strain uptick is the norm when influenza A-strain H3N2 was predominant earlier in the season. As of the last weekly report (week 11 of the year), the B-strain marked 57.7 percent of all laboratory-confirmed cases on the flu, compared to 43.3 percent of influenza A-strains. But the total number of confirmed cases that week? 4,326. That’s pretty low compared to week 4 of the year, the worst on record for documented cases of the flu this season: 21,068.
So flu season is winding down, yes. But it is NOT too late to get your flu shot, which protects against influenza B and another strain of influenza A, H1N1, better than it does against influenza A-strain H3N2.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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