LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – The upcoming flu season could be particularly severe, experts warn. Initial data from the southern hemisphere suggests prolonged and intense flu activity, which is now also noticeable in parts of the northern hemisphere. Of particular concern is the dominance of the H3N2 virus, which has been associated with more severe disease in the past.
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Flu season is just around the corner, and experts are warning of a potentially particularly severe wave. Early signs from the southern hemisphere, which is often seen as a harbinger for the northern hemisphere, show prolonged and intense flu activity. Richard Webby, a flu researcher at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, emphasizes that the coming season could pack a “special punch.”
Another indication of the severity of the upcoming season is the dominance of the H3N2 virus. These virus strains are known to cause more severe disease. The last major flu season dominated by H3N2 was 2016-2017. In addition, a new variant of the H3N2 virus has recently developed and has established itself as the dominant strain in the USA.
The effectiveness of the flu vaccination may be limited this season due to the new virus variant. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins University, explains that the vaccination may not be as well-matched to the new variant. Nevertheless, data from the UK shows that the vaccines still provide significant protection, particularly against hospitalization.
In view of these developments, experts strongly recommend getting vaccinated as quickly as possible. The flu shot takes about two weeks to be fully effective, and as activity increases, it’s wise to protect yourself before the holidays. The flu claims between 12,000 and 52,000 lives in the USA every year, and vaccination remains one of the best protective measures against severe disease.
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