Quick survey question: When was the last time you heard someone coughing in the office? Well, in terms of the flu trend?
Some people are asking themselves: Did the usual flu season start earlier this time?
In our minds, flu season normally comes during winter; it’s like a tag team of every winter season we may experience in our lifetime.
However, many people are asking if flu season arrived as early as October.
They are wondering whether the H1N1 virus could be the real culprit behind this year’s early flu season.
Before we confirm that, let’s first discuss the real from the fictitious information we can gather from social media.
Did the Flu Season Come Early?
Yes, but the infections are starting to increase too. A report from NBC San Diego said that flu season started to rise in August this year.
CDC has confirmed these reports; the early flu is spreading faster than its usual rate in this year alone.
Here are some data that we need to know about this early flu season:
- In the second week of October, 5.7% of flu tests came back positive, compared with last year’s figure, which was under 1%.
- The current flu trend is 2.2% higher than the last two seasons; this has made doctor’s appointments or urgent care for flu-like illness common.
- Since October 21, the flu has been rampant, with cases in 44 US states.
However, the CDC reminds the public not to panic. The spike in flu-like cases might be higher than previous seasons, but it is far from an outbreak.
H1N1: The Culprit?
H1N1 was confirmed to be the culprit behind most flu cases.
In a weekly report from CDC, about 318 of the 323 influenza viruses were from type A; among them, most of the patients had H1N1.
This shifted from the H3N2 influenza variant (also called subclade K), which caused flu cases during last season.
H1N1 is best known as the “swine flu,” the strain that caused a pandemic in 2009. CDC states that even though it’s 2026, H1N1 is still the same variant from its 2009-type family.
It’s also the culprit behind common seasonal flu worldwide ever since. Hence, it’s not new to us.
There is nothing to panic about. It’s like an old enemy unable to rebrand much itself, yet going around doing its job.
Concerns on its Mutation
Naturally, viruses constantly evolve to adapt to the environment. That’s why the flu shots are usually reformulated every year.
CDC noted that the H1N1 virus has fewer historical changes than the H3N2 variant. However, this year’s H1N1 has picked up one new mutation – G155E.
It was first reported in Seattle last September. Experts are investigating to understand its nature.
According to the John Hopkins virologist Andrew Pekosz, it’s essential to know this new mutation so we can create protective antibodies that recognize the virus.
If antibodies can’t detect how dangerous a virus will be, it may harm our health.
Should Mutation be Blamed?
The experts are particularly careful to answer this question.
The sudden rise of flu cases makes it unclear whether it’s due to the new mutation. This suggests flu cases are rising fast because people are not protected against this new H1N1 strain.
Dr. Bernard Camins of Mount Sinai suggested the idea and warned last year’s flu patients that they remain vulnerable.
Pekosz confirmed that the mutation’s role in the sudden rise of flu cases remains inconclusive. He is confident that because of this new strain, people will get immunity to it sooner.
Still, this new mutation remains suspect until experts can validate this claim.
Early Flu Means a Growing Worst-Case Scenario?
It’s normal for people to assume the worst. We learned it the hardest during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, health experts said early flu season doesn’t mean a bad-to-worse case like COVID-19. They clarify that this flu might not go away too soon.
In an NBC report, Dr. Natalie Azar said that flu is unpredictable. It’s better to prepare for it.
It’s worth remembering that H1N1 was known for infecting young people; Azar was concerned that the new mutation might make more children more vulnerable, especially the younger generations that haven’t encountered H1N1.
Things to Remember
- The symptoms of flu are chills, fever, body aches, runny nose, cough, sneezing, and tiredness.
- Flu symptoms are the same as COVID; medical testing helps identify whether you have the flu or COVID.
- Don’t wait for your symptoms to get worse; have it tested or treated.
- If you are positive for the flu, take antivirals to ease the symptoms. You can also consult a doctor before buying the right medication.
- Children and older adults are the most vulnerable groups to flu.
Does Flu Shot Help?
Experts say that flu shots can help by providing some immunity to the flu. Although not zero immunity, it’s better to have your antibodies alert against this new virus strain.
The current flu shot carries less immunity against three flu viruses: influenza B, H3N2, and H1N1.
It might not be a perfect shield against flu, but that flu shot will reduce your chances of hospitalization.
The current flu shot options available are the standard, high-dose, nasal mist, and the new mRNA vaccine. If unsure what’s best for you, consult a pharmacist or a doctor.
Flu Doesn’t Wait Forever
One thing I’ve learned about flu and its symptoms is their timing for infection. They won’t wait or adjust for you before you act on it.
The best way to deal with the flu is to act on it immediately before your condition gets worse.
Never feel complacent just because H1N1 doesn’t always make new strains. It’s better not to panic, but it’s also best to deal with the flu symptoms you thought would go away on their own.
Let’s keep ourselves healthy, encourage children and older adults to have them checked by the doctor, and act fast.
Flu doesn’t have forever to stop doing its job. So must you.