LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan health officials are urging residents to roll up their sleeves as influenza activity climbs across the state and a newly emerging variant gains ground internationally. With only 18% of Michiganders vaccinated so far this season, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) says the state is entering December vulnerable.
New variant raises concerns.
Countries like the UK and Canada are already seeing a surge in cases driven by H3N2 subclade K, a newer version of a strain that often causes more severe illness. While this year’s flu shot was formulated for a closely related strain, early international data shows the vaccine still reduces serious outcomes – preventing 70–75% of hospital visits for children and 30–40% for adults.
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“The flu vaccine may not prevent mild illness, but data shows it reduces severe complications of influenza, including hospitalization,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive said in a recent press release. “Getting a flu vaccine now is a great way to boost your immunity through the winter months.”
Michigan saw a brutal season last year.
The 2024–25 season delivered a harsh reminder of what severe flu spread looks like with more than 33,000 hospitalizations (3,100 weekly hospitalizations at peak), nearly 8,600 ER visits and 14 pediatric deaths, the highest in state history.
With flu season starting earlier this year, MDHHS warns those numbers could rise again unless residents act quickly. MDHHS recommends vaccination for everyone six months and older. Other steps – staying home when sick, good hand-washing, covering coughs, and improving indoor ventilation – can help slow the spread.
