What Is the “Super Flu”?
Every flu season brings questions about severity, symptoms, duration, and whether you need medical care if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms. Lately, the term “super flu” has been trending across news headlines and social media. The term “super flu” may invoke a sense of fear, but what does the “super flu” really mean, and how is it different from any other flu season? This guide will break down what the “super flu” actually means and common symptoms associated with this year’s flu variant.
If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is important to act quickly. Antiviral medications are available to help treat cases of the flu, but they typically must be administered within the first few days of symptom onset to be effective. At Priority 1 Urgent Care, our doctors are available 7 days a week to diagnose cases of the flu, and prescribe antiviral medications if necessary. Walk into our office today for same-day care near Guilderland, New York!
What Does “Super Flu” Mean?
The phrase “super flu” isn’t an official medical term. It’s a term used to refer to a flu season driven by a highly transmissible influenza strain, particularly this year’s version, formally known as Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K, that’s spreading rapidly nationwide, and causing unusually high levels of illness compared to previous flu seasons.
While the virus is spreading faster than usual, it is not inherently more severe than other seasonal strains of the flu. Instead, the term “super flu” references how intense the outbreak feels in terms of case numbers and hospitalizations. Public health tracking shows that this flu season has seen an unusually high number of cases so far this year, with this number expected to continue to increase throughout the flu season.
Common “Super Flu” Symptoms
The main difference between the flu season this year and previous flu seasons is that cases are unusually high. This means that the flu is spreading very quickly across the country. However, symptoms of the flu are not necessarily more severe or different from previous flu seasons. Common symptoms this flu season include:
Fever
Chills and body aches
Headache
Severe fatigue
Persistent cough
Runny or stuffy nose
When to Visit Urgent Care for Flu-Like Symptoms
The flu typically causes severe symptoms with a very sudden onset. Without prompt antiviral treatment and a seasonal flu shot, symptoms may last anywhere from one to several weeks, slowly clearing up on their own over time. However, individuals with underlying health conditions may experience more severe illness or complications from contracting the flu. While your body is often able to fight off the flu in most cases, you should seek urgent or emergency care if you’re experiencing symptoms like difficulty breathing, a very high fever, a persistent fever, or you’re unable to keep fluids down.
Visit Priority 1 Urgent Care for Rapid Flu-Symptom Diagnosis and Treatment
The “super flu” refers to a widespread, fast-spreading influenza outbreak, not a fundamentally new virus. While symptoms of this year’s “super flu” are consistent with typical flu-like symptoms, cases are higher this year compared to last year’s flu season and the flu seems to be spreading very quickly. If you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, early intervention is critical.
At Priority 1 Urgent Care, we offer rapid flu testing and flu treatment every day of the week. If you’re feeling sick, simply walk in or save a spot on-line for rapid care from our team of compassionate doctors. We accept most medical insurance plans, and we have affordable rates for patients paying out-of-pocket for their care. Walk in today, or give us a call to learn more about the services we provide at (518) 867-8040.