This year's flu season really sticks out like a sore thumb. We are starting really early this year. Make sure you get your flu shot. Flu is back. It takes about two weeks for the flu vaccine to build up protection.
The influenza test positivity in clinical labs is 4.4% now. Most circulating flu virus is H3N2. Years where H3N2 is the predominant strain tend to be more severe. The highest activity is occurring in the south.
So far the circulating virus is a good match to the flu vaccine. This was the case with the southern hemisphere as well. The vaccine generally had moderate efficacy. So hopefully it will be the same here.
