San Diego County recorded 735 new flu cases since last week, bringing the season total to over 9,400 cases.
SAN DIEGO — A particularly severe variant of influenza A is driving a sharp rise in flu cases across San Diego County, with local health experts warning that the strain causes symptoms persisting for weeks.
San Diego County recorded 735 new flu cases in the past week alone, bringing the seasonal total to over 9,400 since June. The county has documented 4,200 additional cases compared to three weeks ago, when 5,200 cases were recorded. Despite the spike, numbers are down compared to the same time period last year.
The subclade K variant of influenza A circulating this season is generating concern among medical professionals due to both its prevalence and severity.
“The rate of increase is really what has scared us a little bit, or put us in a caution mode, meaning that for the first time in this flu season, instead of a double-digit rise, in cases, we have a triple-digit rise,” Dr. William Tseng, assistant chief of staff and assistant area medical director at Kaiser Permanente, said.
Social media posts from patients across the country describe the virus as debilitating and unusually difficult to overcome. “This is a tougher one for people to get over,” Tseng said.
The current flu vaccine provides less protection against subclade K than medical professionals had anticipated.
“We do see 40% reduction [in] hospitalization, but it’s not as good as the previous years. So unfortunately, that’s the case, and that’s why people are feeling more symptoms,” Tseng said.
Despite the vaccine’s reduced effectiveness against this variant, vaccination remains the most effective defense available.
“The flu vaccine still reduces your symptoms enough so that you don’t end up in a hospital. It’s not going to be where you get a shot and then you don’t get it at all this time, it’s going to be you get a shot of vaccine, and it protects you from the very, very, very severe cases, and drops you down to something that’s not pleasant, not enjoyable, but manageable at home,” Tseng said.
Tseng also recommends practicing good hygiene and remaining home when sick to prevent transmission of the virus.
San Diego County has recorded 10 flu-related deaths this season, all among adults ages 50 and up. A spokesperson from Rady Children’s Hospital reported they are not experiencing a significant spike in pediatric cases.
“This is a tough season, but compared to a couple [of] years ago, really, we’re still in good shape. It’s still manageable, but we just have to be careful. The more people we get vaccinated, the less likely this will continue to spread,” Tseng said.
Individuals who test positive for the flu should contact their doctor early, as prescription treatments are available and most effective when administered soon after symptom onset.