The flu is making the rounds, and many people are reporting symptoms that feel more severe than usual. From persistent congestion to debilitating body aches, social media is full of accounts of longer, harsher illnesses. But is this perception real, or is something else at play? Here’s what medical experts say about why this flu season feels different.
Increased Flu Cases: The Numbers Tell the Story
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data confirms that flu cases are up significantly this year. As of now, there have been at least 15 million cases in the U.S., compared to 9.1 million at the same point last year. This surge in infections naturally leads to more people getting sick, and it’s logical that increased exposure would make the flu seem more widespread.
The Dominant Strain: H3N2 and Why It Matters
This year’s flu season is dominated by the influenza A strain, specifically H3N2. Experts note that influenza A seasons tend to be more severe than those dominated by influenza B. The H3N2 subtype is known for causing more significant illness, though it doesn’t necessarily mean symptoms are worse in every case. Severity is measured in hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and deaths, not just how bad someone feels.
Vaccination and Prior Infection: Your Body’s Defense
Even though the flu vaccine isn’t a perfect match against the dominant H3N2 strain, doctors emphasize that it still offers protection. The vaccine reduces illness severity, keeping people out of the hospital and lowering the risk of death. Those who got vaccinated generally experience milder symptoms and recover faster.
A previous flu infection also builds immunity. Just like recovering from COVID-19 can bolster protection against future infections, a recent flu case can make subsequent illnesses less severe.
Perception vs. Reality: Why It Feels Worse
Experts suggest that the perception of a worse flu season may be partly due to recency bias. The virus you most recently had often feels like the worst one you’ve ever experienced. The increased discussion about the flu on social media and in daily conversations likely contributes to this feeling. If more people are talking about being sick, it can amplify the perception that this season is particularly bad.
How to Protect Yourself: Simple Steps That Work
If you want to avoid or lessen the flu this winter, experts recommend the following:
- Get vaccinated: It’s not too late. The vaccine reduces severity even if it doesn’t prevent infection.
- Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
- Consider masking: Masks are highly effective at preventing the spread of respiratory viruses, even more so for the flu than for COVID-19.
- Maintain distance: Limit close contact with others, especially indoors.
- Prioritize health: Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, eat well, and manage stress to strengthen your immune system.
In conclusion, while this year’s flu season is indeed more active, the increased perception of severity is likely a combination of higher case numbers, the dominant H3N2 strain, and the way we talk about illness. Taking preventive measures remains the best way to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the flu.
