Ep 37: Flu is Surging: Season Updates, What H3N2 Subclade K Means, and How Well the Flu Shot is Holding Up

Influenza is rising rapidly across the U.S., and headlines about H3N2 and “new variants” are everywhere. In this episode, I break down what the data actually show, what’s driving this flu season, what H3N2 subclade K really means, how well the flu shot is holding up (spoiler- it's doing fine!), and what matters most for protecting your family. Using current CDC surveillance data and real-world vaccine effectiveness, we put this season into clear perspective. I also share how our household is thinking about and managing play dates, preschool and traveling during an active flu season. Citations:Seasonal Flu Vaccine Basics | Influenza (Flu) | CDCInfluenza (Flu) | Influenza (Flu) | CDChttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/php/surveillance/in-season-severity.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/hcp/clinical-signs/index.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/coldflu.htmlUnderstanding Influenza Viruses | Influenza (Flu) | CDCLegal: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content reflects general public health information and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or health decisions.