The Current Flu season is here: What you need to know
Nov 12, 2025
Dr. Alison McGeer, a microbiologist and infectious disease physician from Mount Sinai Hospital, discusses the alarming spread of the evolving H3N2 strain of influenza and the crucial role of flu vaccinations. Dr. Joss Reimer, Chief Medical Officer for Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, dives into the erosion of public trust in vaccines, highlighting the impact of misinformation and the need for better outreach. They emphasize that even a mismatched vaccine offers significant protection and share strategies for rebuilding public confidence in vaccination.
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Household Spread From One Sick Person
- Glenn Phillips infected seven family members after attending a family gathering while sick with influenza.
- His parents were hospitalized and none had received the flu vaccine.
New H3N2 Could Drive Early Season
- A new H3N2 strain is increasing rapidly worldwide and may drive an early, active flu season.
- Experts warn that even if vaccine mismatch exists, higher vaccination rates help the whole population.
H3N2 Seasons Tend To Be Worse
- H3N2 seasons generally cause more severe population-level impact than H1N1 seasons.
- Severity depends on how much disease circulates, not a fundamental change in the virus's nature.