An Intense and Early Flu Season Expected: Experts Warn
With the emergence of a new flu variant and declining vaccination rates, experts are cautioning that this year’s flu season could arrive sooner and hit harder than usual.
In Michigan, approximately 23% of residents have received their flu shots for the 2025-26 season. Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, notes a continuing decrease in vaccination rates since the COVID pandemic started.
“And so it is consistent with that trend, but it’s still very disappointing, especially in a year like this when we’re expecting a severe flu season,” Bagdasarian commented.
The flu variant gaining ground is a subtype of influenza H3N2, known as subclade K. This strain has already caused an intense and early flu season in the United Kingdom.
“We’re expecting the same pattern to emerge in Michigan,” Bagdasarian added.
While hospitalization rates for flu have not dramatically increased, Bagdasarian remains vigilant to ensure that emergency rooms and hospitals remain manageable.
Those most vulnerable to serious complications from flu, COVID, and RSV include older adults and young children, according to Bagdasarian.
Despite skepticism arising from shifting federal guidelines, physicians continue to advocate for flu, COVID, and RSV vaccinations for children. Bagdasarian advises consulting healthcare providers for vaccine guidance.
She expressed concern that “federal changes are eroding trust in a time in which trust had already been on the decline,” emphasizing the need for individual states to step up in providing accurate information.
“(It’s) making sure that we are listening, that we are answering their questions, and that we understand that people have real questions and they have real doubts right now that we have to address,” Bagdasarian stated. “I think that’s the most important next step to building back that trust.”
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