What to know about the "super flu" in Western Pa.
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Flu cases are climbing in Western Pennsylvania, driven by a fast-spreading strain that experts warn could prolong this year's flu season.
Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in nationwide flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the "winter vomiting bug" and whooping cough — are slamming the U.S. this winter.
- A new Influenza A (H3N2) variant, "subclade K," is driving the surge. Because the strain wasn't circulating when this year's flu shots were developed, vaccines may offer less protection — but public health officials say the vaccines still help prevent severe illness.
Driving the news: There have been at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths from flu so far this season nationwide, per CDC data.
By the numbers: Allegheny County reported more than 4,700 flu cases from late November to Jan. 3 — nearly twice as many as during the same period a year earlier, per the county Health Department's respiratory virus dashboard. Flu-related emergency department visits in Allegheny County were about 70% higher year over year, too, at nearly 2,000.
- Despite rising cases, the county reported three flu-related deaths in November and December, down from eight during those months the year prior.
- Last year marked Allegheny County's worst flu season in a decade.
Zoom out: Pennsylvania reported a high level of flu activity over the past month, per the latest CDC data, mirroring a national increase tied to the so-called "super flu."
- The state reported more than 61,000 flu cases and has recorded 71 flu-related deaths through Jan. 10.
The latest: The spike comes as the Trump administration cuts the number of recommended shots in the federal childhood vaccination schedule, a move county and state public health officials warn could weaken protection against infectious diseases.
Threat level: Flu symptoms range from mild to severe, per the CDC, including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting — and in serious cases, it can be deadly.
- Doctors urge people to seek medical care if severe symptoms develop, such as high fever, dehydration, breathing changes, extreme fatigue, or body aches.
Reality check: "Super flu" isn't an established medical term. The phrase tends to surface during more severe flu seasons, says Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University.
- "While we expect more flu cases this year, we aren't sure if this virus causes more severe disease on a per-case basis yet," he said. "However, it is spreading so quickly that the increased numbers of influenza cases can swamp a medical center."
The bottom line: The Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends flu shots for people 6 months and older.
- Wash your hands and stay home if you're sick, public health experts say.
- Find local vaccination sites here.