Take precautions against flu, UMMC physician says

As influenza cases rise across the country this season, some headlines have begun referring to a so-called “super flu.”  

While the term isn’t a medical diagnosis, it reflects what clinicians are seeing in some communities: a more intense flu season marked by higher case counts, more severe symptoms and increased hospitalizations, particularly among older adults, young children and those with chronic conditions. 

“Every year around this time, we see a surge in flu cases, and this year is no different,” said Dr. Kendall McKenzie, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “There’s a baseline level of viral illness circulating all the time, and when you add seasonality on top of that, those numbers really start to climb.” 

According to the Mississippi State Department of Health weekly respiratory surveillance reports, influenza-like illness activity across the state has remained relatively stable in recent weeks, with an overall ILI rate around 4.9% of outpatient visits for the week ending January 3. 

While Mississippi hasn’t reported major outbreaks or influenza-associated pediatric deaths this season yet, health officials continue to monitor trends closely. 

“It can be misleading to look at national maps and think Mississippi isn’t being impacted,” McKenzie said. “While we may not be seeing the same levels as some other parts of the country, flu activity is high enough that we’re feeling it in hospitals across the entire state. We’re seeing increased volumes of patients coming into the emergency department and more patients needing to be admitted.” 

At the same time, national influenza data show a significant uptick in flu cases, hospitalizations and deaths this season, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating at least 11 million flu cases, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths so far this season, including nine pediatric deaths. 

Historically, one strain of the flu virus, called H3N2, has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people. Not only has this been the most common strain reported this season, but more than 90% of H3N2 infections analyzed were a new version known as the subclade K variant. 

While flu viruses are always slightly mutating, creating new strains that aren’t recognized by antibodies, this particular variant has accumulated mutations that let it spread more easily and partially evade the immune response prompted by previous infection or vaccination, making more people susceptible to infection. 

“For most people, the flu looks like it always has, with a runny nose, cough, fever, body aches and congestion for a few days,” McKenzie said. “As long as symptoms are manageable at home, you don’t necessarily need to seek medical care.” 

However, people at higher risk — including children younger than 2, adults older than 65 and those with underlying medical conditions — should be especially cautious. If you develop shortness of breath you’ve never had before or chest pain associated with flu symptoms, that’s a sign you need to be seen. 

The single most important thing people can do every year is get a flu shot, McKenzie said.  

He also emphasized the importance of early treatment. “Antiviral medications work best the sooner they’re started, so, if you think you’re getting the flu and would benefit from treatment, seeing your primary care physician as early as possible is key.” 

“We learned a lot during the pandemic,” he said. “If you’re sick, stay home. Wash your hands. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. And don’t return to work or school until your symptoms are improving, and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours. Preventing ongoing transmission is critical.”
 

The above article appears in CONSULT, UMMC’s monthly e-newsletter sharing news about cutting-edge clinical and health science education advances and innovative biomedical research at the Medical Center and giving you tips and suggestions on how you and the people you love can live a healthier life. Click here and enter your email address to receive CONSULT free of charge. You may cancel at any time.