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A mutated virus is driving the US into an early flu season, especially on the West Coast
CNN • • general
Key Points:
- This year's U.S. flu season started 2.5 months earlier than usual, with cases first emerging on the West Coast instead of the typical Southern states, driven by a mutated H1N1 virus variant.
- The dominant H1N1 strain, accounting for about 98% of samples in Washington, has a mutation (G155E) that helps it evade immunity, reducing the effectiveness of this season's flu vaccines which were developed before the mutation emerged.
- Flu activity is currently high in Pacific states, with about 10% of tests positive, and is spreading eastward; however, national flu levels remain below the baseline overall.
- Experts urge people to get vaccinated immediately rather than waiting until the usual late October timeframe, as early vaccination is critical given the advanced timing of the flu season.
- There is potential for a second wave of flu cases later this season, and new mRNA flu vaccines may offer faster and more effective responses in the future, though widespread adoption faces economic challenges.
