Today, Explained Why everyone is sick right now
129 snips
Jan 11, 2026 
Caitlin Jettelina, an epidemiologist, reveals how cold weather and the H3N2 mutation impact flu season and discusses the importance of vaccination even when it's late. Science writer Carl Zimmer explains the rapid mutation of viruses and the complexity behind developing cures. Physician-scientist Ellen Foxman shares insights on how our innate immunity can offer protection and why some viral infections go unnoticed. Together, they explore the intertwining worlds of respiring viruses, immunity, and health in an engaging exchange.
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Podcast Team All Got Sick
- The host and team experienced widespread illness including flu, COVID, and norovirus despite remote work.
- This personal outbreak illustrated how broadly infections are circulating in the community.
Get The Flu Shot Now
- Get vaccinated this season because vaccines still reduce risk of hospitalization and death.
- Flu shots take about two weeks to work so get one even if the season has started.
H3N2 Drift Made This Season Worse
- This season's H3N2 shifted from a J subclade to a K subclade, reducing vaccine-match effectiveness.
- That drift makes the virus better at slipping past prior immunity and vaccines, raising cases and severity.
