HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – A new and more aggressive strain of the flu is causing severe outbreaks around the world. There are even cases in Connecticut.
As a result, doctors are urging people to get the flu shot. However, it may not be as effective against the new flu variant.
The new strain is called Subclade K.
It is sweeping the United Kingdom and causing major outbreaks in Japan and Canada.
Doctors are concerned it could lead to a more severe flu season. They’re also worried about vaccine hesitancy.
The CDC said nearly 150 million people received a flu shot in the U.S. last year.
“I got it October 23rd… Just habit. I’ve always had it. I get the COVID shot and flu shot around the same time,” said Eliot Gershman.
Steve Fleishman from Wethersfield was shopping at Big Y, but the vaccine was not on his list.
“I’m 77 years old I’ve never gotten the flu shot in my life. Watch this, I’ll get the flu now,” Fleishman said.
Linda Adamidis said she won’t be getting hers either.
“I’ve done the flu shot in the past and I’ve not done well at all. I feel like I get the flu when I get the flu shot,” she added.
Vaccine hesitancy is notable nationwide, according to Dr. Husnain Kermalli, chief medical officer at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury.
He urged folks to get the shot as peak flu season approaches.
“We’ve got truly decades of research behind the vaccine and multiple safety studies showing they are safe,” explained Dr. Kermalli.
Connecticut confirmed the state’s first flu death of the season on Thursday.
It was a person in their 80s from Hartford county.
The new strain is more aggressive than the common flu and could evade the vaccine, officials said.
“The vaccine was being prepared against that strain as we were noticing it coming through. Unfortunately, as viruses do, it changed a little bit in the summer time and became more aggressive as it transmits between people,” added Dr. Kermalli.
Doctors said the symptoms of Subclade K are very similar to the common flu strain: fever, chills, body aches, fatigue.
“A- the vaccine is safe. B- the vaccine helps. Even in the small amount it’s still a helping hand,” added Dr. Kermalli.
Experts encouraged people to test if they have symptoms, wash their hands, and cover coughs and sneezes to prevent spreading the virus.
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