Vaccination is the most effective tool in the fight against infectious diseases. WHO warns of spread of new flu variant: vaccination remains best protection Healthcare
A new variant of the virus is spreading rapidly in the Northern Hemisphere amid an early start to the flu season, with vaccination remaining “the most effective means of protection.” The World Health Organization (WHO) reported this on Tuesday.
Influenza and other respiratory viruses are now actively spreading, Wenqing Zhang, head of the global respiratory threats unit of the WHO Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threats Management, told reporters in Geneva. According to her, the current season is characterized by the emergence and rapid spread of a new variant of the virus AH3N2. It was first recorded in August in Australia and New Zealand and has since been identified in more than 30 countries, she noted.
Genetic transformation
“Available epidemiological data do not indicate an increase in disease severity, although this genetic shift represents a notable step in the evolution of the virus,” Zhang said. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, she explained, which is why the composition of influenza vaccines is regularly updated. Zhang.
The new variant was not included in vaccines produced for the current flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, a WHO expert said. However, “early evidence suggests that current seasonal vaccines continue to provide protection against severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization,” she added.
The WHO estimates that there are about one billion cases of seasonal influenza each year worldwide, including up to five million cases of severe respiratory illness. Up to 650 thousand deaths per year are associated with respiratory complications caused by seasonal influenza.
Recommendations for reducing risks
“Vaccination remains our most effective means of protection, including against “drifting” strains, especially for high-risk groups and those who care for them,” she emphasized Zhang.
She also shared the results of a preliminary assessment of the vaccine’s effectiveness against the new variant published several weeks ago in the UK. “These data look very encouraging,” the expert said, noting that the vaccine is about 75 percent effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization in children and about 35 percent effective in adults.
Zhang warned that the upcoming holiday season could lead to a new surge in respiratory illnesses. “Ahead planning and improved preparedness are strongly recommended, including promoting vaccination and strengthening health system preparedness,” she said.
60~p>The WHO expert also recommended that countries strengthen laboratory diagnostics and year-round disease surveillance and participate in the GISRS network.
Global monitoring required
The network includes influenza centers in 130 countries, as well as more than ten reference laboratories.
When asked whether the United States will remain a member of the network next year, despite the country’s decision to withdraw from the WHO on January 22, 2026, Zhang said: “In terms of Influenza, Respiratory Surveillance and Preparedness certainly requires worldwide participation in surveillance, preparedness and response to influenza and other respiratory viruses, as we do not know when or where the next pandemic strain will appear.”
“And the time between its emergence, identification, characterization and inclusion in vaccines may be critical to the number of lives saved,” concluded she.