Oklahoma Flu Surge: A Silver Lining Emerges
Understanding the Current Flu Surge
Flu season is in full swing, and this year’s outbreak seems to be more severe than usual. Many people are wondering why this is happening. Dr. Hal Scofield, a physician-scientist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, has been closely monitoring the situation as he prepares for his rounds at the Oklahoma City VA Hospital.
Dr. Scofield notes that much of his morning will be spent caring for patients with influenza. While it’s still early in the flu season, Oklahoma is already experiencing high levels of flu activity. This trend mirrors what’s happening across the country, where some states are reporting the highest number of cases and hospitalizations in decades.
The main cause of this surge is a specific strain of the flu known as H3N2 subclade K. This variant has several mutations that make it different from previous strains. These changes allow it to evade the immunity that people may have developed from prior infections. Additionally, it appears to be more effective at infecting individuals who received this year’s flu vaccine, which was designed before this particular strain emerged.
Despite these concerns, there are some positive developments. First, while this year’s flu variant is spreading faster than usual, it doesn’t seem to be more virulent than typical strains. Reports indicate that people infected with this strain are no more likely to require hospitalization compared to past years.
Second, early data shows that although the flu vaccine may not prevent infection entirely, it does reduce the likelihood of severe illness. This means that even if someone gets sick, they are less likely to need hospital care.
In Oklahoma, the flu season typically peaks at the end of January and the beginning of February. This timing often coincides with holiday gatherings, making it an especially challenging time for public health officials. However, there is still time to get vaccinated before the peak arrives.
If you haven’t received your flu shot yet, now is the time to do so. While the vaccine may not completely prevent infection, it can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness. This is especially important for those who are most vulnerable, such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Dr. Hal Scofield is a physician-scientist at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation and serves as associate chief of staff for research at the Oklahoma City VA Medical Center. Adam Cohen is OMRF’s senior vice president and general counsel. For health-related questions, you can contact them at contact@omrf.org.
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