How to protect yourself from new mutated flu virus

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A new strain of the flu is coming around, but there are ways to be prepared.

Doctors say flu season typically runs from December to around March or April. However, it’s gotten off to an early start this year.

The main strain they’re concerned about is called H3N2.

While the other strains are still bad, this one has mutated in Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom, making it all the more important to get your flu shot this year.

“Even in years where there’s not a perfect match between the circulating flu strain and the vaccine, the vaccine still protects against the most severe consequences of flu, including hospitalization and death,” Dr. Kris Bryant of the Infectious Disease department at Norton Children’s Hospital says.

We also spoke to a doctor at Med Center Health, who has some tips on how to best protect yourself on top of getting that vaccine.

“If anyone is experiencing flu symptoms, they should stay at home and make sure they do not spread the virus… wash their hands. Vaccines are the only way to prevent flu, so it’s not yet too late. Please go ahead and get your flu shots to prevent a flu epidemic here in the US,” Dr. Suman Shekar, an Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Physician with Med Center Primary Care, says.

The new strain is also known as Sub Clade K, and while the current flu shot may only cover two of the three types of flu, it’s still important to get it, as symptoms could now last between five and ten days.