What is This New Flu Strain?

Health officials in Texas are tracking an early and sharp rise in flu cases. The cause is a new mutation of a common flu virus. The strain is called influenza A(H3N2), and the new mutated version is known as subclade K.

This mutation is significant. It has changed the parts of the virus that our immune system uses to recognize and fight it.

Why is This Mutation a Problem?

The problem is called "antigenic drift." This means the virus has drifted or changed over time.

• This year's flu vaccine was made to fight a different version of the A(H3N2) virus.
• Because the virus has mutated, the antibodies your body makes after the vaccine may not recognize this new subclade K strain as well.
• For some people, this means the vaccine's protection against infection may be lower.

This mismatch helps explain why flu is spreading more easily and causing more serious illness right now.

Texas Flu Cases and Hospitalizations: The Numbers

The data from Texas shows a clear and worrying trend that started weeks ago.

• High Case Count: For three weeks in a row in November and early December, Texas reported over 5,000 weekly clinic and hospital visits for flu-like illness. This is more than double the number from the same time last year.

• East Texas Impact: In our local East Texas region, this has meant about 250 related hospital and clinic visits each week.

• Rising Hospitalizations: The most concerning trend is hospitalizations, especially for seniors. In early December, the hospitalization rate for people 65 and older jumped to 7.4 per 100,000. Just one month earlier, it was only 2.2 per 100,000.

Should You Still Get a Flu Shot? (Yes!)

Even with this new strain, the CDC and doctors strongly recommend getting your flu vaccine.

Here’s why vaccination is still your best defense:

1.    Protects Against Severe Illness: The vaccine is still very effective at preventing the most serious outcomes. It can protect you from severe flu illness, hospitalization, and death.

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2.    Protects Against Other Strains: The shot guards against other flu viruses that are also circulating this season.

3.    It's Not Too Late: The flu season is still in its early stages. Cases are expected to rise more during holiday travel and the winter months. Getting vaccinated now provides protection before the peak.

What You Should Do Now

The early rise in cases is a warning sign. Protect yourself and your community.

• Get Vaccinated: It is the single most important step.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
• Stay Home if Sick: Help stop the spread by staying home if you have flu-like symptoms.
• Protect the Vulnerable: Be extra careful around young children, elderly family members, and those with weak immune systems, as they are at the highest risk.

Conclusion: 

A new flu mutation is driving an early and serious flu season in Texas. While the virus has changed, the best public health advice has not. Vaccination remains a crucial tool to reduce severe illness and hospital visits. Acting now by getting your flu shot is the smartest way to stay healthy this winter.

Sources & References:

This summary is based on official public health data and guidance to ensure factual accuracy.

• Data on flu cases and hospitalizations is sourced from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and Texas Health and Human Services weekly surveillance reports.
• Information on the influenza A(H3N2) subclade K mutation and vaccine recommendations comes from advisories and explanations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• For the latest Texas-specific flu activity and guidance, visit the official Texas DSHS Flu Surveillance Page.