California has gone into the new year headfirst with a widespread flu outbreak. Many Californians are experiencing a new variant of influenza A, known officially as Subclade K, which has been dubbed as a “super flu.”
Those suffering from the virus tend to display symptoms such as body aches, cough, sore throat, congestion and head pressure, all made more severe by this new strain. So far, the CDC has reported around 18,000,000 cases, 230,000 hospitalizations and 9,300 flu-related deaths.
winded, like it was difficult to breathe and catch my breath.”
With a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kalis also explained how communities are affected by the virus.
“Viruses and bacteria are the leading cause of disease, resulting in the spread of illness through communities,” she explained. “The most vulnerable are often at greater risk.”
Kalis went on to describe how the flu has affected her classroom environment.
“I see a lot of absences in my classes,” began Kalis. “This leads to interruptions of learning and lower performance in class.”
One Tracy High student, junior Mahrosh Abbasi noticed the shift this new year. She went on to recount what life has been like since the flu swept through Tracy.
“People from all over school were ill,” she noted. “The flu is crazy everywhere, from teachers to students and for a while, my parents were worried the sickness would spread throughout the family.”
Within the community, not only have families been affected, but so have the establishments sick families go to for help. Hospitals have been overwhelmed by patients and Kalis’ sister and Tracy High alumni, registered nurse Stacey Wetherell, described how healthcare has been affected by the outbreak.
“Hospitals have been getting backed up and patients are bottlenecking the hospitals,” Wetherell said. “All these people come to the hospital because they’re sick, but without beds they end up lined up in the hallways of the emergency room waiting to get admitted.”
Wetherell also had some advice for those in the community.
“Cover your cough,” emphasized Wetherell. “Keep your distance when you’re sick to prevent spread and listen to educated doctors and health care experts.”
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