Chicago Doctors Concerned About K Flu Strain Before Thanksgiving 2025

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, doctors in Chicago are expressing concern over a new strain of the flu, known as subclade K. This strain is reportedly resistant to the current flu vaccine, raising alarms as families prepare to gather and share meals.

Concerns Over Flu Strain K

The flu season last year was notably severe, and health experts anticipate that this year could potentially be as challenging, if not worse. Dr. Kevin Emmerich from Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital highlighted the surge of flu cases that occurred immediately after Thanksgiving 2024. He noted how quickly the virus can spread, saying, “Last year, just after Thanksgiving, we went from seeing no patients to everyone and their grandma had the flu.”

International Outbreaks

The subclade K strain has already led to significant outbreaks in countries like Canada, the UK, and Japan, where it has been classified as an epidemic. Such trends in international flu activity often serve as indicators of what might occur in the U.S.

Symptoms and Risks

Health professionals warn that the flu can cause debilitating symptoms. Dr. Shivanjali Shankaran from Rush described the impact, stating, “The flu can feel like a car hit you. Your body hurts. You could need hospitalization or ICU.” Vulnerable populations, including young children and older adults, face a higher risk of severe illness.

Vaccination Rates and Effectiveness

• Approximately 20% of Chicago residents have received their flu vaccine.
• The vaccine offers critical protection, especially for high-risk groups.

Despite low flu activity reported in the U.S. at this point in the season, experts note a rising trend. Dr. Emmerich emphasized the importance of vaccination for those most at risk, such as children under six months old and adults over 65, among others.

Preventive Measures

To mitigate the spread of the flu, doctors advise taking certain precautions. These include:

• Wearing masks in crowded or enclosed spaces.
• Regular handwashing to reduce virus transmission.

As flu season approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s inability to track flu activity during a recent government shutdown complicates predictions for this year’s outbreak. Experts encourage everyone to stay vigilant and prioritize health safety as the holidays draw near.