Medical professionals and experts across America are concerned about the approaching flu season. Doctors are on a heightened vigil against the presence of early indicators that may not be like the usual winter flu symptoms Americans have experienced in the past. More than just ordinary seasonal worries, a particular version of the influenza virus has caught the attention of scientists and public health officials. The rapid spread and influence on current flu activity have raised questions about what might be coming in for this season.
The Main Cause of Concern?
The mutated influenza strain known as the “Subclade K,” a variant of the Influenza A (H3N2) virus, has been spreading rapidly in many countries. As per genetic surveillance data, Subclade K now makes up the majority of the H3N2 samples identified in the US so far this season, suggesting that it could dominate flu activity as the season continues.
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Normally, influenza variants that circulate throughout the year vary slightly, but Subclade K has developed multiple genetic changes compared with previous versions. These changes help it spread more effectively, causing concern. Due to this mutation, the strain targeted by existing vaccines is much less effective against this variant.
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Increase in Rate of Hospitalisation
The rate of hospitalization has already increased, with the number of patients suffering from the infection now up almost 30%. Health Canada’s latest figures show that in the week ending December 13, as per a report by Global News. Canada saw 11,646 new cases of flu being detected, which, as per the data, means that 27.7% of the tests conducted came out positive.
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