Mutated Influenza Strain Could Cause Problems This Season

Many of you may have already had your flu shot, and while this lowers your chances of getting certain strains of the flu one mutated strain could still cause you problems this season.

Public Health Nurse Jamie Heinzman with the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department informed us that the influenza strain A- H3N2 has drifted.

"So what they’re finding out now, is that one of the A strains the H3N2 has drifted, so it has had some genetic changes in it that’s not covered by the vaccine. That’s not something they couldn’t have predicted when they were making the vaccine."

Even with the drift variant the flu vaccine had an overall efficiency of 37% against H3N2 viruses. It’s too early to say for sure how severe flu season will be this year however, it’s important to always be prepared.

"So the fever, the tiredness, the runny nose, cough and stuff like that if you start to feel like that we really recommend that you not be going out and visiting everybody this holiday season," said Heinzman. "Stuff like that kinda stay home when your not feeling well so that you’re not spreading the flu, washing your hands real well to help prevent the spread of the flu."

If you are exhibiting symptoms of the flu you are encouraged to contact your doctor immediately, and if you haven’t had your flu shot they are still available at the Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department.