U.S. Health Authorities are alerting the public on the emergence of a newly identified strain of influenza virus (known as “flu”) as seasonal flu continues to increase in multiple parts of the country. The most recently identified strain of influenza A (H3N2) has been identified by the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) and State Health Departments through ongoing surveillance activities, and has shown minor genetic differences from previously circulating H3N2 strains that were circulating during this flu season.
- Precautions
- FAQ’s On New Flu Variant In US, Check Precautions
- What is the Newest Flu Vaccine for You and Your Family?
- Is the Newest Flu Vaccine More Dangerous than the Regular Flu Vaccine?
- How Will Public Health Officials Monitor for New Variants of the Flu?
- Does the Current Flu Shot Protect Against the Newest Variants?
Although the newly identified strain is not currently linked with severe illness, it highlights the importance of taking preventive measures in anticipation of increasing cases of several respiratory virus types during the fall and winter months.
Seasonal activity of the H3N2 variant that has been recently identified, along with other virulent strains of flu, has led to an increased number of reported cases of flu in outpatient clinics, emergency departments, and laboratory testing, according to data available at the present time.
Public health officials report that all types of respiratory viruses, including the flu and the COVID-19 virus, will be present at the same time, increasing the pressure on the health care system and increasing the likelihood of illness among high-risk groups (ages 65 years and older, children under the age of five years, pregnant women and persons with chronic illnesses).
Precautions
State health departments and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to promote common flu preventive measures like getting vaccinated, practising proper hand hygiene, wearing masks when in crowded or high-traffic areas, and staying away from work if sick.
As the flu season progresses, the CDC will continue assessing the effectiveness of vaccines against the new coronavirus variant through lab research and community-based studies. Local county and state health departments across the nation report an increase in inpatient hospitalisations due to influenza-related complications, but the majority of cases reported are mild to moderate in severity.
Reports from local health departments in various states show an increase in hospital admissions related to complications from influenza; however, there are still mild and moderate incidences of the disease. Patients who develop these types of symptoms are advised to see a clinician immediately for evaluation and treatment if they are experiencing any of the following severe signs or symptoms: trouble breathing, ongoing chest pressure/pain, sudden onset of dizziness/unsteadiness, or severe dehydration.
As a result of these increases in hospitalizations for influenza-related illnesses and related public health concerns, all health care providers are reminded to continue to sequence flu virus specimens and track the spread of flu variant; members of the community should continue to learn from government sources (local/state/federal) about influenza virus variants and take recommended precautions to prevent the transmission of respiratory tract infections.
FAQ’s On New Flu Variant In US, Check Precautions
What is the Newest Flu Vaccine for You and Your Family?
This new strain of the flu is a new version of an H3N2 virus that has been identified recently, and it is slightly different from the older H3N2 strains that were circulating before.
Is the Newest Flu Vaccine More Dangerous than the Regular Flu Vaccine?
Currently, there is no evidence that the most recent flu variant causes more serious illness compared to the regular flu that we see every year.
How Will Public Health Officials Monitor for New Variants of the Flu?
Public health officials monitor the activity of all viruses, including influenza. The sources will be testing patient samples to look at how the virus genes are changing and how often they are changing.
Does the Current Flu Shot Protect Against the Newest Variants?
The current flu shot will protect you and your family from the most likely strains of flu that will be circulating in your area this season.
