Is a bad flu season on the way? Experts see reason to be anxious
2 days ago
- #public health
- #vaccine
- #influenza
- Influenza reclaimed its position as the worst virus during the 2024-2025 cold and flu season.
- A new H3N2 subclade K variant emerged, potentially reducing vaccine effectiveness and increasing susceptibility.
- Experts emphasize the importance of getting the flu shot despite potential vaccine mismatch.
- The flu shot may still reduce severity of illness and hospitalizations, even if it doesn't prevent infection.
- Subclade K viruses are now dominant in the UK and Japan, with early flu season activity.
- Early UK studies show moderate vaccine effectiveness against subclade K, but protection may wane over time.
- H3N2 accounted for half of US flu cases last winter, marking the most severe season in years.
- Experts remain cautious about predicting the severity of the upcoming flu season.
- Australia's recent flu season was prolonged by subclade K, but no alarming severity has been observed.