New flu strain raises global health concerns
The variant, a mutated form of H3N2 first detected earlier this year, has spread rapidly and been linked to an increase in hospitalizations. “Since it emerged, it’s rapidly spreading and predominating in some countries so far in the Northern Hemisphere,” said Dr. Wenqing Zhang, head of the World Health Organization’s Global Respiratory Threats Unit.
Experts have warned that the strain contains several mutations that distinguish it from the H3N2 virus included in this season’s flu vaccine. “The virus is quite different from the H3N2 strain included in this year’s vaccine,” said Antonia Ho, an infectious disease consultant at the University of Glasgow.
Flu activity in the UK is reported to be three times higher than the same period last year, according to James Mackey, head of the National Health Service. Canada is also seeing an early surge, according to virologist Angela Rasmussen of the University of Saskatchewan.
In Japan, infections in Tokyo have risen to nearly six times last year’s levels, leading to partial closures at more than 2,300 schools and childcare facilities, reports said.
It remains uncertain how far the strain has spread beyond these countries, including within the United States. While Flu A cases have been confirmed, experts note that national data remain incomplete due to ongoing staffing shortages at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Despite potential differences between the circulating strain and this year’s vaccine, health experts continue to urge people to get vaccinated, noting that the flu shot helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Preliminary findings from the UK suggest the current vaccine may still provide up to 40% protection against severe outcomes requiring hospital care.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
