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The sub-type may be dependent on when and where you catch the flu. It seems that the more severe cases in the West are Fujian, and the cases that are just beginning to show up in the east are Panama. However, it looks like the Fujian strain is spreading to the east.

This type of spread is not unexpected. The Fujian strain started in China last year and was widespread in New Zealand and Australia this summer (southern hemisphere's winter).

Now Fijian is starting in the western United States and working its way east. Here is a media report from the Cincinnati area (southern Indiana/Ohio and northern Kentucky). Flu in general is still relative weak, although still earlier than seen in recent years. Only a few isolates have been subtyped, and they are all Panama (which is covered in the current vaccine):

"In Colorado, more than 6,300 people have been infected and at least six have died. A few other deaths have been reported in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The big concern: a flu strain called type A/Fujian for which this year's vaccine offers only partial protection.

So far in the Tristate, the few cases that have gone all the way through testing have been type A/Panama, a strain that is covered by this year's vaccine. No cases of A/Fujian influenza have been reported to local public health officials.

Season starting early

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has reported 70 cases of influenza. Mercy Anderson treated 26 adults and six children with flu symptoms over the weekend. Smaller numbers of cases have been seen at other Mercy hospitals, according to Mercy Health Partners spokeswoman Karen Kuhn. Several cases also have been reported at Bethesda North, said TriHealth spokesman Joe Kelley.

Ohio and Kentucky remain listed among 13 states with "sporadic" flu activity. Indiana is among 16 states with "regional" flu activity, according to the CDC. That means flu season is starting somewhat early this year. In Greater Cincinnati, cases usually peak in January and February and can continue into April. "

The Fujian strain started in China last year and was widespread in New Zealand and Australia this summer (southern hemisphere's winter)

Am I to assume it wasn't as brutal in the SH because they have had more exposure the strain?

The big concern: a flu strain called type A/Fujian for which this year's vaccine offers only partial protection.

I got the flu shot here in Houston, then right after traveling the state I came down with a mild case of the flu. I was very careful and luckily no one else in the house caught it despite not getting the flu shot.