The World Health Organization warned of the rapid spread of a new strain of influenza in the Northern Hemisphere, confirming that vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing the disease.
The head of the Global Respiratory Threats Unit at the organization, Winchelng Zhang, explained that this year is witnessing the emergence and rapid spread of a new sub-strain of the influenza virus (AH3N2), referred to as (J.2.4.1) or the sub-strain (K), which was first detected in Australia and New Zealand last August, before being discovered in more than 30 countries.
Zhang confirmed that current data does not indicate an increase in disease severity, despite the genetic shift representing a significant evolution in the virus, noting that influenza viruses continuously evolve, necessitating periodic updates to the vaccine composition.
She added that the new strain has not been included in the latest vaccine composition produced for the influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere, although preliminary evidence suggests that current vaccines provide protection against severe cases and reduce the risk of hospitalization.
The World Health Organization estimates that there are about one billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including five million severe cases, while related deaths reach 650,000 cases annually.
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