Flu season this fall is intensifying rapidly, raising concerns among health experts. A new variant of the influenza virus, H3N2, is spreading extensively, contributing to more cases than typically expected for this time of year.
Dr. Amanda Kravitz, pediatrician at Weill Cornell Medicine, reported a significant rise in influenza A cases dominated by the H3N2 subtype. Jesse Bloom, a viral evolution scientist at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, indicated that this flu season might be substantially more severe than usual, though not unprecedented.
The Changing Virus and Flu Trends
Flu expert Dr. Helen Chu from the University of Washington expressed worry about the surge in flu and related hospitalizations seen in countries like the U.K. and Japan. Flu activity is currently widespread, overlapping with other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and preceding a predicted winter COVID-19 wave. However, vaccine effectiveness may wane as the season progresses.
Trevor Bedford, a Fred Hutchinson researcher, emphasized that H3N2 evolves faster than other strains, explaining that large viral changes occur roughly every three to four years. Stephen Morse from Columbia University highlighted the challenges in predicting influenza’s course, citing past unexpected surges and recent unpreparedness for the H3N2 K subclade.
Vaccine Importance Despite Changes
Despite the mismatches with H3N2, experts advocate for getting the flu vaccine. Richard Webby, director at the WHO Collaborating Centre, stressed that vaccination still provides meaningful protection, particularly against severe disease. Early data from the U.K. show about 70% vaccine effectiveness in children, though adult protection might be lower.
Dr. Gregory Gray noted the importance of vaccinating individuals who work with livestock to prevent cross-species virus mixing. Morse reinforced that flu shots remain a critical precaution, helping protect against multiple circulating flu viruses.
Symptoms and Preventive Advice
The CDC estimates millions of flu cases and thousands of deaths nationwide since the season’s start, including young children. Kravitz described symptoms as intense and quick to onset, with high fevers and vomiting seen more frequently in children this year.
Parents are advised to monitor hydration and seek medical advice if symptoms persist beyond five days or fever remains very high. Experts urge the public not to panic but to prepare by getting vaccinated and considering early antiviral treatment, which is most effective when started promptly.
Monitoring Bird Flu Risks
Meanwhile, human cases of avian influenza like H5N5 remain rare but under close observation due to their pandemic potential. Dr. Webby highlighted that while current public risk is low, an avian flu pandemic could be devastating. Reduced surveillance, especially in agriculture, raises concerns about missing early warning signs of outbreaks.
Health authorities continue to call for increased flu vaccination, enhanced testing, and sustained surveillance to better manage this evolving and challenging flu season.
Read more at: www.cbsnews.com-
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