In Savannah, Georgia, a newly emerged strain of the flu is creating concern among healthcare professionals. This particular variant is leading to more severe illnesses, which in turn is resulting in a noticeable rise in hospital admissions.

As the festive season draws near, the medical community is strongly advising the public to get vaccinated. Experts emphasize that the flu vaccine can play a crucial role in bolstering the body’s defenses against this virus.

Dr. Timothy Connelly, an internal medicine expert, sheds light on the situation, highlighting the resurgence of the influenza A H3N2 strain, specifically the subclade K. “This strain is relatively new to our recent flu seasons,” Connelly explains. “We haven’t encountered it much in recent years, which makes it slightly more severe for those who contract it. We’ve already seen several cases in our hospital where individuals had to be hospitalized due to severe flu symptoms.”

Medical professionals note that while the symptoms mirror those of other flu strains, they tend to be significantly more intense, underscoring the importance of taking preventive measures.

Doctors say symptoms are similar to other flu strains but tend to be more intense.

Patients may experience severe body aches, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and respiratory issues.

In some cases, oxygen levels can drop low enough to require hospitalization.

Prevention remains the most effective defense.

Connelly recommends maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and taking vitamins.

He also strongly encourages flu vaccination, especially for people with underlying health conditions.

“The flu peaks in February, and it takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to be maximally effective,” Connelly said. “We’re still in December, and I recommend for the majority of my patients that they strongly consider getting the flu vaccine, not necessarily to prevent you from getting the flu, but to make it a lot less severe if you do.”

Masking can also help slow the spread of illness, particularly for people who are sick or immunocompromised.

Connelly advises wearing a mask in crowded places such as airplanes, buses, or trains and practicing proper hand hygiene.

“If you’re feeling ill, absolutely wear a mask,” Connelly said. “If you’re immunocompromised, wearing an N95 may help. Hand hygiene is also very important, especially during the holidays.”

He added that even mild illness in one person can become life-threatening for others, particularly older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

For those who become sick and do not have health insurance, federally qualified health centers are available and provide care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

A list of those locations can be found by clicking or tapping here.