Flu Subclade K, Vaccine Mismatch, and What Helps (Full Transcript)

[00:00:00] Speaker 1: Does it seem like everyone you know right now has the flu? Well, you're actually not that far off. In the last week of December, one in 12 doctor visits in the United States was for flu symptoms. That's the highest that metric has been in more than 25 years. Now, part of the reason we're having such a severe flu season is because there is a new strain of flu going around. It's known as subclade K, and it arose in the United States after health officials had designed what the flu vaccine was going to look like. So there is a little bit of a mismatch between that circulating strain and the flu shot. But does that mean that the shot is useless? No. Here are some answers to some of the top questions you may be thinking about when it comes to the flu right now. First, on the flu shot. Should you still get it, even though it doesn't match that circulating strain? Experts say yes. Data out of the UK in November suggests that it still provides protection, especially against more severe disease. So what that means is it may not stop you from getting the flu completely, but it may keep you from having a really bad time with it. Next, you might be wondering how you can get better faster. And here there is good news. Unlike for the common cold, for example, there are actually ways to treat the flu. And it's best if you get tested quickly because that's when antiviral drugs work the best. Things like Tamiflu and Zofluza. They're available by prescription. And if you take them early, they can shorten the duration of your illness and they can reduce your symptoms. You can also take them to try to prevent symptoms of the flu if somebody you live with, for example, has been diagnosed. And finally, if you're dealing with a lingering cough, that is so annoying, but doctors say it's not necessarily unusual to have a cough that persists for a couple weeks after a viral infection, even as you start to feel better in every other way. Of course, there are exceptions here. If it goes on for longer than that or you have other troubling symptoms like having trouble swallowing, feeling hoarse, coughing blood, obviously get those things checked out. In the meantime, wash your hands, stay home if you can. And take care.