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Michigan Detects New Flu Strain with Potentially Increased Transmissibility

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 9:06 GMT by Patch

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New Flu Mutation Sparks Widespread Concern Across Michigan

In late October, health officials in Michigan announced the discovery of a novel influenza strain that has already raised alarms among epidemiologists, clinicians, and the public. The mutation, identified through genomic sequencing of patient samples, appears to be a hybrid of the commonly circulating H3N2 strain and an older, more virulent lineage that had been largely dormant since the 1990s. While it has yet to cause a large outbreak, experts are warning that its emergence could complicate the already‑challenging “trio” of respiratory illnesses that dominate the season—influenza, COVID‑19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

How the Mutation Was Found

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced the discovery after an alert was issued by the CDC’s National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS). A cluster of patients in southeast Michigan tested positive for influenza A with a distinctive genetic signature that matched the H3N2 subtype but carried an extra mutation in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, a protein that plays a key role in virus attachment to human cells. Dr. Laura McKenzie, an infectious‑disease specialist at the University of Michigan Health System, explained that “the HA mutation could potentially allow the virus to bind more efficiently to host receptors, which might increase transmissibility.”

According to MDHHS, the mutation has been detected in five confirmed cases so far—four in Genesee County and one in Washtenaw County. While the numbers are small, the presence of the mutation in two distinct counties suggests that the strain could be spreading silently. Surveillance labs across the state are now testing all influenza samples for the new mutation.

Why This Mutation Matters

Experts emphasize that the key concern is not only the potential for increased spread, but also how the mutation might affect the effectiveness of current antiviral treatments and vaccines. “The antiviral drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) has historically been effective against H3N2, but early in vitro data suggests the mutation could reduce its binding affinity,” noted Dr. Raj Patel, virologist at the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Patel added that while no clinical data yet confirm reduced drug efficacy, the situation warrants close monitoring.

The Michigan State Health Board also expressed concerns that the new strain could evade immune protection conferred by the seasonal flu vaccine. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) routinely updates the flu vaccine composition based on surveillance data from the previous influenza season. Dr. Emily Zhou, a public‑health epidemiologist with the CDC, said that “the vaccine strain for the 2025‑26 season was chosen before this mutation was identified, so it may not match perfectly.” That said, the vaccine still offers broad protection against H3N2 and other subtypes, and vaccination remains a cornerstone of prevention.

The Trio of Respiratory Illnesses

The “trio” refers to the overlapping burden of influenza, COVID‑19, and RSV that most states face in the fall and winter months. All three illnesses share similar symptoms—fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue—making diagnosis difficult. “Because of symptom overlap, a patient could be infected with any one of these viruses or even more than one at the same time,” explained Dr. Maria Santos, a pulmonologist at Mercy Health. “We have to be vigilant not to attribute all respiratory illness cases to one pathogen when multiple can co‑circulate.”

The new flu mutation’s potential to cause more severe disease, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions, could tip the balance of the trio. Dr. Santos highlighted that the most vulnerable groups—those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses—should take extra precautions.

What Residents Can Do

1. Get the Flu Shot – Even if the vaccine’s match isn’t perfect, it still offers significant protection against severe illness. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services offers free or low‑cost shots at local health departments, pharmacies, and clinics.

2. Stay Informed – MDHHS is publishing weekly updates on the mutation’s prevalence. Residents can subscribe to the MDHHS Flu Alert or follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on social media for the latest information.

3. Practice Good Hygiene – Wash hands frequently, use alcohol‑based sanitizers, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with sick individuals.

4. Consider Antiviral Therapy – If you develop flu‑like symptoms and have risk factors for severe disease, call your health‑care provider. Antiviral medications work best when started early.

5. Seek Testing – If you have symptoms that overlap with COVID‑19, RSV, or influenza, get tested for all three viruses. This can help guide treatment and reduce unnecessary isolation.

Links to Additional Resources

• CDC Flu Information – https://www.cdc.gov/flu/
• Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Flu Programs – https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/fluid/
• Michigan State Health Board Updates – https://www.mshb.org/updates/
• Patch's Coverage on Flu Vaccination Rates – https://patch.com/michigan

The emergence of this new influenza strain underscores the importance of robust surveillance, swift communication, and proactive public‑health measures. While the current data suggest limited spread, the situation could evolve rapidly. Health officials urge residents to stay up‑to‑date on vaccination, practice preventive behaviors, and remain vigilant for respiratory symptoms. With coordinated efforts, Michigan can mitigate the impact of this new mutation and navigate the looming influenza‑COVID‑RSV “trio” with greater resilience.