A new strain of the flu, referred to as the “superflu,” has started to spread into the new year, causing Bulldogs to reach for masks, call out of school, and unintentionally pass it to others. The virus’s rapid transmission–one of the reasons behind its formidable name–is raising concerns about its effect on school attendance and the overall health of students and staff.
The contagious “superflu,” also known as subclade K, is a variant of influenza A (H3N2) and has been the most frequently reported flu strain in the CDC’s latest FluView influenza surveillance report. The CDC has estimated at least 15,000,000 illnesses so far this season and has placed Virginia amongst the states with the highest number of flu cases in the U.S.
“The current flu vaccine does not cover the strain that’s circulating throughout our area really well, which has resulted in patients with some significant illness,” Robert Garwood, VP, Chief Medical Officer Sentara RMH Medical Center said to WHSV 3 News.
The flu vaccine can include only a certain number of variants, which are the most predicted and popular stains, and unfortunately this creates a gamble for which strain is actually the most prominent. The newest strain can persist from a few days to two weeks and is spread through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing just like any other flu. This strain’s symptoms, however, are more severe than usual influenza variants and include high fevers, body aches, and vomiting.
“I got it on Friday, two weeks ago, and my symptoms were worse than ever before,” junior Khalilah Jackson said. “I woke up with fatigue, a cough, a fever, the whole shebang. I was bedridden for multiple days.”
This outbreak has put a huge burden on students’ shoulders, as coming back to school after break has been made all the more difficult with a runny nose and a pounding headache. Academic workloads and the fear of missing class have caused students to continue coming into school despite sickness, only adding to the number of infected Bulldogs. However, the school clinic is always open to provide helpful advice on what actions to take when infected with the flu.
“The first thing I’m going to do is ask parents to let me know directly [when a student has the flu], because I don’t always see the notes from the attendance secretary,“ school nurse Alexis Kerr said. “If you have a fever, stay home until you’re fever free for 24 hours without medication. Stay home until you’re well enough to make it through the day, and keep in contact with your teachers and counselor through email.”
By drinking healthy fluids, taking over-the-counter medication, and getting some good-old rest, students can recover from this illness. Flu vaccines are always available at local clinics and can help reduce the severity of the symptoms of subclade K. As soon as a student feels even a bit under the weather at school, it is advised to make way to the clinic to get checked out before it worsens and spreads to others.
“If you feel really sick at school, definitely come [to the school clinic],” Kerr said. “This substrain of the flu comes on really fast. You can come to the clinic and rest until we can get you home.”
