SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A new flu strain called Subclade K has reached the United States after circulating in other countries since the summer.

Doctors describe the virus as a subclass of Influenza A. The strain may cause more severe symptoms than other flu variants.

Flu symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may also develop a fever.

The current flu vaccine may not perfectly match this strain, but the CDC and doctors recommend vaccination as the best protection for individuals and families.

“We’re not getting crossover immunity from either the vaccination or previous influenza infections,” said Dr. Barbara Bumberry of Mercy. “And the symptoms seem to potentially be a little bit more severe than the typical influenza

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