Flu activity is spiking across the country as subclade K, a new variant of the Influenza A (H3N2) virus, has become the dominant form of the flu this season, driving most of the infections and earning the nickname “super flu.”

In the week ending December 27, New York state recorded the highest number of flu hospitalizations in a single week, with more than 4,500 people hospitalized.

As subclade K continues to spread, Dr. Nehal Galal, a primary care physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, reminds us that there are easy, proven ways to lower your risk of getting, or spreading, the flu, including:

• Getting the annual flu vaccine.
• Staying home when sick.
• Regularly washing your hands with soap and water.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

“We recommend the vaccine for everyone six months and older, and there’s no downside to getting it,” says Dr. Galal. “The side effects are minimal for most patients, and it gives you an extra shield of protection.”

Health Matters spoke with Dr. Galal about what to know about the super flu, including the best way to protect yourself and treatment options.

What are you seeing this flu season? Is the 2025 flu shot a good match for the super flu?

Last year was classified as a high-severity season by the CDC. While the current flu season is still ongoing, reports from the CDC show that cases are already elevated across the U.S., with almost 5 million cases recorded in their most recent report.

As for the flu shot, every year there’s a rigorous process to make sure that they’re looking at the tail end of last season and the global flu virus and how it’s spreading. They look at those strains and they’re matching it into the flu vaccines, so we should assume that it will match. Even if it’s not exact, it still gives your body some protection. In the case of subclade K – while it may not prevent illness entirely, it can still help reduce your risk of serious complications.

What are the symptoms of the new super flu variant?

People should look out for the common flu symptoms, such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion
• Body aches
• Headache
• Fatigue

Some people may also experience GI symptoms, such as vomiting.

Why is it important to get the flu shot?

Getting the flu at minimum is uncomfortable with a fever, runny nose, and body aches. But there are folks who are at higher risk and have underlying conditions, and flu can become more serious. People can be hospitalized, run the risk of getting other infections, and even die as a result of the influenza virus. So, it’s important for people to get a flu shot to protect themselves and people around them.

Who should get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccines are recommended for everybody six months and older. Everyone should get a shot regardless of any underlying condition. Most primary doctors already have it in the office, but it’s also available in the local pharmacies.

Is it too late to get the flu shot?

It’s never too late to get your flu shot – getting vaccinated can still help protect against hospitalization and flu-related complications as the flu season continues into the spring.

That said, the season typically peaks between December and February, so getting it before the holidays is usually a good time that will cover you for the rest of the season.

What are the side effects from the shot itself?

Most people have very mild side effects, such as local site redness or pain at the injection site. Some people can get a low-grade fever and body aches, but that lasts at most two days.

What about the nasal flu mist. Is it available as an option?

It’s available. It’s not the most common vaccine since most people are getting the injection. I think people can always talk to their doctors about whether that would be a good choice for them.

Does the flu shot give you the flu?

The flu vaccine does not cause the flu. It’s also important to note that the flu vaccine does not contain the live virus, but rather inactive ingredients that are boosting your immune system in preparation for if they encounter the flu virus. The respiratory season is real. We encounter it every year, and the best way to prepare for it is to get the flu vaccine. The virus changes year to year, and that’s the reason why it is a yearly vaccine. It’s essentially just an extra shield, so you protect yourself and your loved ones at home as well.

Is it safe to get flu, COVID and RSV vaccines at the same time?

Yes, it’s safe. At this moment, we’re giving the flu, RSV the COVID vaccines to those who are eligible. We have historically given them together, and we are continuing to do so this year.

What are other ways to protect yourself this season from the super flu?

Besides getting the flu shot, basic hygiene is still recommended at this time of the year. That means that hand washing is important. Some people are choosing to wear masks, especially when they’re, in close, smaller spaces or indoors.

When should people see a doctor?

Respiratory illnesses are common in the fall and winter, so it’s hard to know exactly what you have. If your symptoms are impacting you, you can go to your provider and get tested, which is really the best way to tell if it’s the flu, COVID or another respiratory virus.

What are treatments for the flu?

If you test positive for flu, patients who are eligible can get antiviral treatment, such as Tamiflu or Xofluza. Tamiflu is given within 48 hours of flu symptoms. We usually look at risk factors and underlying conditions to determine if Tamiflu is appropriate for the patient and could help shorten the severity of the flu. Xofluza is a one-dose pill that is approved for people 5 years and older. Treatment selection by a provider can vary based on the patient’s age or other health conditions, or based on the treatment availability.

What other things can you do at home if you have the flu?

For most colds, we’ll say rest, hydrate, take over-the-counter supportive treatments for fever and cough. That will usually be the right course of treatment for most people, but if somebody has an underlying condition, it’s important to ask a doctor if there are additional treatments available.

Dr. Nehal Galal, D.O., is the Senior Medical Director for Primary Care at ColumbiaDoctors, which has eight locations providing comprehensive primary care services for adults and children. She is also an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.