New flu variant hits SoCal, raises concerns among public health experts

Holiday travel is in full swing and flu cases are on the rise. Some experts are very concerned about a new flu variant reaching Southern California.

So now is the time to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Many schools across the country closed early for winter break due to the epidemic.

Audrey Garrett, a mother of two, says flu-like symptoms have hit her family hard.

“Actually, we’re just coming back from being sick. She had a fever. My daughter had that bad cough, you know the cough that honks at night,” Garrett said.

Dr. “Last year was a pretty bad seasonal flu year for Los Angeles, so it’s scary to hear that this year could be worse,” Dawn Tereshita said.

Dr. Tereshita monitors acute infectious diseases at the LA County Department of Public Health. It warns of an emerging H3N2 flu variant that is difficult for our immune systems to recognize.

“This K subclass is new,” said Dr. Tereshita. “We don’t know what’s going to happen yet, but we’re monitoring it very carefully because it’s spread quite widely.”

The new variant is not a match for this season’s flu vaccine, but experts believe the flu vaccine will still help reduce the risk of serious illness, including hospitalization and death.

“To me, having any reason not to go to the hospital is very valuable. There are also antivirals you can take if you get sick,” Tereshita explained.

These include Tamiflu and the new Xofluza. Talk to your doctor if you have a fever, sore throat, cough, and body aches because these medications should be taken close to the onset of symptoms.

Dr. “The key messages are wash your hands, stay home when you are sick and wear a mask if you have to go out,” Tereshita said.

Although there are many respiratory diseases, Dr. Flu activity in California remains low, Terashita says.

However, since the flu usually peaks in January and February, now is a good time to get a flu shot if you haven’t already.