01/09/2026
New Flu strain.
There is a new strain of influenza called Subclade K that spread rapidly over the holidays. This new strain is driving an estimated 90% of flu cases across the country and is certainly having an effect on northeast Florida.
Our own system director of Infectious Diseases for Baptist Health, Dr. Shalika Katugaha, recently appeared on First Coast News, where she shared that some of the symptoms of this new flu include:
*fever
*chills
*headaches
*extreme fatigue
*nausea
*vomiting
*sore throat and congestion
Dr. Katugaha also recommends getting a flu shot because while it is not a perfect match for the new strain, it will "prevent you from getting severely ill, needing hospitalization, or even worse." Dr. Katugaha also recommends taking daily preventative measures like washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick.
This map from the CDC shows that Subclade K was spiking just before the holidays, and experts suggest that cases may still be on the rise. Be sure to schedule your flu shot if you haven't already!