No, you’re not imagining it. Flu season is late and cases are up
There’s been a late rise of influenza A, mostly due to the ‘super K’ strain.
Flu season is arriving later than usual in Australia, but cases are on the rise, according to recent data. The flu season typically begins in June-July and peaks in August, but this year it has started earlier and remains active. The H3N2 strain of influenza A, specifically the "super K" variant, has been responsible for most cases, contributing to a late surge in infections.
This strain is believed to be more transmissible than others, although it does not appear to cause more severe illness. While flu activity has been lower than in previous years overall, several parts of the country, particularly New South Wales and Western Australia, have experienced an increase in cases since mid-August. Influenza activity patterns have been more unpredictable since the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases typically increasing in late June and peaking in August during non-pandemic years.
However, the "super K" strain has resulted in a late spike in cases this year. Influenza vaccines are partially effective, reducing the risk of severe illness by around 35% on average, and are free for high-risk groups such as older adults and young children. Despite the unusual timing and severity of this year's flu season, getting vaccinated remains important, as protection can still provide some level of defense against severe illness.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
