LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – With over 200 subtypes of viruses spreading throughout this time of year, the three most severe are COVID-19, Respiratory Sensorial Viruses (RSV), and Influenza. Tracking their peaks by monitoring other countries as flu season approaches, finds that this year is quickly looking more severe.
“In England, we saw an earlier peak of influenza and a more severe peak of influenza,” explained MDHHS Chief Medical Executive, Natasha Bagdasarian. “We’re starting to see our flu numbers go up here in Michigan, telling us that peak is probably right around the corner.”
Strains of influenza adapt and circulate each year. Through the World Health Organization, the 2025 flu vaccine was designed to protect against an H3N2 strain by the name of subclade J.2. However, since the vaccine’s development, a more severe strain causing higher respiratory infections and hospitalizations in the United Kingdom called subclade K. is now spreading.
“H3N2 is part of the vaccines that we put out,” said Bagdasarian. “But, this subclade K looks to have changed a little bit, and it’s possible that it’s causing the more severe disease they’re seeing in the United Kingdom, and it’s likely that we’ll see the same trend here in the United States.”
Currently, vaccine coverage is as low as 22% in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is calling for folks to highly consider an influenza vaccine this time around. Even with subclade K, the vaccine is set to highly reduce more serious outcomes, especially within weaker immune systems like in children or seniors.
“The early data [from the United Kingdom] suggests that the current flu vaccine is about 75% protected at keeping children out of the hospital,” said Bagdasarian. “We’ve seen a decline in people getting the vaccine, and there are fewer people than ever who are now vaccinated and protected against the flu.”
Flu shots can be received by appointment at almost any local pharmacy, pharmacy chain, or medical clinic. Take-home tests for both influenza and COVID-19 can also be found at these locations. More information can be found at michigan.gov.
The MDHHS also recommends continuing to practice healthy actions such as covering coughs or staying home when sick to reduce the further spread of influenza.
