Key Symptom Revealed in Major Flu Outbreak in Louisiana

(KMDL-FM) If you live in Louisiana, chances are you know someone who is currently battling or has already battled the flu this season. If your friends' list doesn't include anyone affected by that medical malady, wait, your time is coming. Doctors have revealed a key symptom to look for, which may help ease the symptoms of the virus by catching it early.

AlexRaths

The current flu outbreak has not quite reached historical proportions, but it's pretty darn close to earning that notoriety. Only Montana and Vermont are reporting levels of flu activity that are less than "high" or "very high". Louisiana falls into the "very high" category.

In fact, according to the Louisiana Department of Health, our flu statistics are among the highest in the nation. But believe it or not, it was even worse last year at this time. But the 2026 flu season is still gaining momentum, so that should be a concern.

How Many People Currently Have the Flu?

As of this report, doctors at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that there are some 11 million confirmed cases of flu in the country. Those infections have resulted in 120,000 hospitalizations. It's estimated that the current flu season has been responsible for 5,000 deaths across the nation as well.

CDC.gov

The symptoms of the flu are nothing really new. However, doctors have noted that with the current strain of flu, subclade K. A mutated strain of influenza A H3N2, there appears to be one particular symptom that patients have been very vocal about as they've sought treatment.

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Which Symptom Is Most Concerning With The Current Strain of Flu?

The usual symptoms of flu include chills, congestion or runny nose, coughing, fever, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in children. But the one normal symptom that seems to be exacerbated with the current flu strain is fatigue.

Isabella Fischer via Unsplash.com

I know we've just come out of the holiday season and we're all tired, but those who have experienced this strain of flu say the fatigue and lack of energy created by this "bug" is particularly noticeable.

The other symptom of note is just how fast and intensely the symptoms develop and manifest. One patient we spoke to said they went from feeling fine to feeling miserable with a fever of over 101 degrees in less than four hours. So, when it hits, it hits fast, and it hits hard.

Doctors are still advising that you get a flu shot if you haven't and that you keep washing your hands as often as you can. And, if you're not feeling well or suddenly find yourself not feeling well, go home or stay home for the good health of others.