New Flu Strain Poised for Possible Takeover - Medscape

As the flu season in the US begins quietly, health officials are alerting the public about a concerning new strain of the H3N2 influenza virus. Studies in the British Medical Journal indicate a marked increase in flu cases in the UK, particularly among young adults and school-age children, predominantly due to this newly mutated strain. It is reported that the current circulating virus has acquired seven mutations over the summer, making it substantially distinct from the H3N2 strain included in the current vaccine. Public health experts caution that while this variant, named subclade K, poses a heightened risk and has already led to a declared flu epidemic in Japan, the full impact on other regions, including the US, is yet to be determined. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has faced delays in reporting flu activity, which complicates national response efforts. Medical professionals recommend vaccination even if the vaccine is mismatched, emphasizing that it still offers some protective benefits. The urgency for vaccination is highlighted as flu activity is rising, especially in the Southern US, reminding individuals to get vaccinated promptly to avoid severe illness.