Brown County Executive Troy Streckenbach rolls up his sleeve for the annual flu shot. (PHOTO/WTAQ News)
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Flu season is making its way through Wisconsin at a fast pace.
And with new data out Tuesday, experts are warning of a spike in flu cases across the country. They say it’s partially because of a new flu variant called “H3N2” or “Subclade K.”
“We are seeing those early signs that it’s coming over the next several weeks. We are definitely seeing an uptick in Wisconsin,” Prevea Health pediatrician Dr. Thomas Huffer said.
Huffer said there will likely be more cases of the flu this year. This is because Subclade K formed after this year’s flu vaccine was developed. Despite this, Huffer still urges everyone to get vaccinated — especially kids.
“Even though it may not completely prevent you from getting influenza, it should do a great job of preventing the complications,” Huffer said.
Huffer said it’s not uncommon for flu to pick up around the holidays, as germs spread easier. Since Subclade K is a newer flu strain, a higher death rate is expected this year, as well. The rates of seizures and hospitalizations from pneumonia have also been higher among kids as a result of the flu.
“Across the country, we’ve already seen eight deaths in children this year, as of last week. So, that is definitely a little bit higher than we typically see in a year,” Huffer said.
According to the CDC, flu activity is on an upward trend across the country. The latest numbers from Dec. 20 show there have been at least 7.5 million illnesses this flu season. Estimates also show there have been 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 flu deaths.
In the Badger State, the respiratory illness level is considered moderate, but it continues to climb — especially in southeastern Wisconsin.
“The next several weeks, we’re going to see this surge and that’s going to be the main time we’re going to see transmission of the influenza this year,” Huffer said.
Symptoms to watch out for include fever, cough and body aches. Experts suggest masking and social distancing when necessary.
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