Severe New Flu Strain Reported In Minnesota + Wisconsin

Tis the season for terrible winter illnesses. There is nothing worse than a terrible illness in the middle of winter and it happens to all of us. Now, there's a new flu strain to be aware of.

Speaking of health, recently Wisconsin was named one of the least sleep-deprived states. That's good news, especially when most of us feel sleep-deprived most days. Ha!

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Daylight Saving Time ending also always puts a big wrench in things! Even though we gain an hour of sleep, it definitely throws us all off for a bit.

Right when we start to feel back to normal, winter illnesses start circulating. Now, there's a new form of the flu we need to be aware of as we head into winter.

All About New Flu Strain In Both Minnesota & Wisconsin

This new flu is a mutated strain of influenza A. It's being called H3N2 subclade K. This new strain has surged all over the globe and has now made its way to our neck of the woods in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. We fall within the twenty states it has made its way to.

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It's no secret that this time of the year, typically through a month or two into the new year is the worst for the flu. Sometimes it lingers even further out into the year, usually wrapping up before the summer season.

The Symptoms To Look Out For With New Flu Strain

This flu strain will impact elderly and children the most, according to the most recent report on the strain. However, it will hit people of all ages hard. Symptoms are typical with what you'd see with influenza A, without a huge outlier.

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It starts abruptly and continues with fever, chills, body aches and headaches. It is followed with extreme fatigue, congestion, runny nose and coughing. As always, if you have any of these symptoms, drink water and get plenty of rest.

Avoid going out in public and spreading your germs if you do come down with this strain of flu, or really any other illness. This particular illness will last about five to seven days. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.