The flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst on record, with a new strain of H3N2 emerging that has several mutations. This change in the virus's genetic makeup makes it potentially more contagious and severe, which could put a significant strain on hospitals and clinics.
In the UK, the region's flu season has started about five weeks earlier than usual and is spreading quickly. The country's health officials are bracing for what they expect to be a particularly tough season, with the new virus already causing cases in large numbers.
The H3N2 strain is more severe than another strain of influenza A that is also circulating, according to infectious diseases expert Antonia Ho at the University of Glasgow. This strain tends to cause more severe illness in older adults, and its early start may mean that fewer people are vaccinated against it earlier on.
Meanwhile, the US is facing a concerning situation with the flu season. The government shutdown has halted normal flu surveillance operations, making it difficult for officials to track the virus's spread. Even though some states have reported low levels of flu activity, experts warn that this could quickly change as the season progresses.
In light of these concerns, health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. While a mismatch between the vaccine and the new strain of H3N2 may mean that vaccines still offer some protection, monitoring its genetic changes is crucial to assess risk and response.
Experts say that even if vaccination levels in the US are not as high as they could be this year, getting vaccinated can still make a difference. Vaccination helps stop the spread of flu by protecting vulnerable individuals, such as children who can act as superspreaders. The best way to tackle the problem is to get vaccinated, according to Adam Finn, professor of Paediatrics at the University of Bristol.
The UK's health officials have reported encouraging results from a preliminary study on this year's vaccine, with 70-75 percent protection against hospitalization in children and 30-40 percent in adults. However, it's essential for parents to note that these protection levels are typically seen towards the end of a flu season when vaccination effectiveness is higher.
As the flu season progresses, officials will continue to monitor its spread and provide updates on vaccination efficacy. In the meantime, people are advised to take precautions against catching the flu by washing their hands frequently, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and staying home if they're feeling unwell.
In the UK, the region's flu season has started about five weeks earlier than usual and is spreading quickly. The country's health officials are bracing for what they expect to be a particularly tough season, with the new virus already causing cases in large numbers.
The H3N2 strain is more severe than another strain of influenza A that is also circulating, according to infectious diseases expert Antonia Ho at the University of Glasgow. This strain tends to cause more severe illness in older adults, and its early start may mean that fewer people are vaccinated against it earlier on.
Meanwhile, the US is facing a concerning situation with the flu season. The government shutdown has halted normal flu surveillance operations, making it difficult for officials to track the virus's spread. Even though some states have reported low levels of flu activity, experts warn that this could quickly change as the season progresses.
In light of these concerns, health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against the flu as soon as possible. While a mismatch between the vaccine and the new strain of H3N2 may mean that vaccines still offer some protection, monitoring its genetic changes is crucial to assess risk and response.
Experts say that even if vaccination levels in the US are not as high as they could be this year, getting vaccinated can still make a difference. Vaccination helps stop the spread of flu by protecting vulnerable individuals, such as children who can act as superspreaders. The best way to tackle the problem is to get vaccinated, according to Adam Finn, professor of Paediatrics at the University of Bristol.
The UK's health officials have reported encouraging results from a preliminary study on this year's vaccine, with 70-75 percent protection against hospitalization in children and 30-40 percent in adults. However, it's essential for parents to note that these protection levels are typically seen towards the end of a flu season when vaccination effectiveness is higher.
As the flu season progresses, officials will continue to monitor its spread and provide updates on vaccination efficacy. In the meantime, people are advised to take precautions against catching the flu by washing their hands frequently, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and staying home if they're feeling unwell.
this is all so suspicious... like, what's really going on here? first of all, the flu season starts 5 weeks earlier than usual in the UK? that's not a coincidence, right? it's like they want us to get sick and overwhelmed with hospitals. and don't even get me started on the US government shutdown - that's just perfect timing for them to hide something... or maybe they're just trying to cover up the real flu season, which is being masked by this "flu season". anyway, vaccination levels in the US are not as high as they could be? yeah right... that's just code for "they don't want you to know the truth"... but seriously, folks, get vaccinated! 
it's like we can't catch a break when it comes to our health 
and what's even more worrying is that the US government shutdown has messed up their flu surveillance systems 
now they're basically flying blind into this flu season 
and honestly, if you haven't already, get your kid vaccinated too 
those superspreaders can be a real concern 
i wonder how many cases of flu are reported in the us now that surveillance is halted... we need more info...
. and can we please just have a quiet winter this year? no more pandemic drama 
.
. I mean, 70-75% protection in kids is pretty decent for this time of year, but I'm no expert... I just know what sounds right 
.
. And with its mutations making it more contagious and severe, hospitals are gonna be slammed 
. What worries me most is that the US shutdown has messed up flu surveillance 
. How can they track it when everything is halted? 
anyway i think its super important for us to get vaccinated ASAP 
cuz even tho there might be some protection issues with this new strain, vaccination is still the best way to stop the spread of flu 
