Flu cases are on the rise, and experts are sharing tips on how to protect your family from illness in the countdown to Christmas.
According to the latest available Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu report ending the week of December 6, there have been nearly 3 million confirmed cases of the flu across the U.S., with at least 30,000 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths this flu season already, and cases are expected to rise over the holidays.
Multiple states including Colorado, Louisiana and New York have been hit hard with flu cases, per CDC data.
Some schools have been dealing with the spike in cases by switching to remote learning or closing schools early, ahead of scheduled breaks.
In Dexter, Kansas, Dexter Schools USD #471 announced it would close early for winter break, after approximately 25% to 35% of its students called out sick.
What is this year’s dominant flu variant?
The dominant flu strain circulating this season is the new subclade K variant, which experts say may be contributing to an early increase in flu cases abroad, including in the United Kingdom.
Subclade K is a variant of the H3N2 influenza virus that has been circulating since the summer months in other countries.
The CDC notes that those who are most vulnerable to the flu overall include adults over 65, children under the age of 5, anyone who is immunocompromised, pregnant people, and people with underlying chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or lung disease.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
According to the CDC, symptoms of the flu, including the subclade K flu strain, may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, or vomiting and diarrhea, although gastrointestinal symptoms may be more common in children than adults.
What is the best way to protect against the flu?
Although the new subclade K variant does not fully match this season’s flu vaccine, doctors and the CDC still recommend everyone over the age of 6 months get the vaccine as a protective measure. Children between the ages of 6 months to 8 years of age who have not received the flu vaccine previously may require at least two doses, at least four weeks apart.
“Data from the U.K. shows us that the vaccine can decrease hospitalizations in kids by about 70-75%, in adults by about 30-40%,” ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Tara Narula said on “Good Morning America” Wednesday.
“[It’s] really important for people to get the vaccine, especially before travel coming up,” Narula added, noting that “it takes about two weeks to build up those antibodies.”
Travel tips during flu season
AAA estimates that more than 122 million Americans will hit the roads and take to the skies between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1.
On “GMA” Wednesday, ABC News transportation correspondent Gio Benitez shared several tips for staying healthy during the holiday rush that he has learned from years of traveling and speaking with experts across the country:
- Choose touch-free security lanes at airports, if available. The TSA PreCheck Touchless ID security lanes are available on an opt-in basis and take a picture of a traveler’s face before comparing it to an ID photo on file. Air travelers can check with airlines to see if this option is available to them.
- Pack and use disinfecting or alcohol wipes to wipe down high-touch and high-traffic areas, such as arm rests, seatbelts, airplane tray tables, touchscreens and vents.
- Wash your hands. This is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs, according to the CDC, which recommends scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds and rinsing under clean, running water. If you can’t access soap and water, make sure to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer “that contains at least 60% alcohol,” the CDC states.
- Pack and wear face masks. In addition to wearing a mask while traveling, TSA recommends packing an extra mask or two in case the elastic strap breaks or your need to swap out a dirty mask for a fresh one along the way.
- If you suspect you may be sick, wear a mask, or if possible, avoid traveling until you can confirm you’re no longer sick.
By YI-JIN YU/ABC News
