New virus identified in Hungary
The laboratory of Hungary’s National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy (Nemzeti Népegészségügyi és Gyógyszerészeti Központ, NNGYK) has confirmed the presence of a new variant of influenza A(H3N2) virus in samples submitted by general practitioners participating in the national surveillance system during weeks 45–47, the NNGYK informed MTI on Saturday.
New virus found in Hungary
According to a report by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the current influenza season in Europe began earlier than usual this year. Based on available data, the new virus strain is responsible for around one third of A(H3N2) cases worldwide, and approximately half of such cases in EU and EEA countries, the statement said.
Genetic analyses have shown that this virus variant differs slightly from the H3N2 subtype included in this season’s influenza vaccine. The new strain has been classified into the so-called “K subgroup”, which has undergone the minor genetic changes typical of influenza viruses.
What can we do to prevent it?
During this process, some of the antigens on the surface of the virus that are recognised by the immune system have changed, while several elements have remained unchanged, the centre added.
As a result, partial antigenic similarity still exists, allowing for the development of so-called cross-immunity. This means that immune responses generated either by a previous infection with a similar influenza virus or by vaccination may currently provide partial protection against the new virus variant belonging to the K subgroup.
For this reason, receiving the influenza vaccine continues to be recommended for people at higher risk of the disease in order to prevent serious complications, the statement noted.
What symptoms does it cause?
The illness causes the same symptoms as influenza infections in general. Complications are most likely to affect people over the age of 65, those suffering from metabolic, lung, cardiovascular or other chronic diseases, individuals with weakened immune systems, as well as people living in closed institutions, such as long-term care hospitals or residential care facilities.
In terms of prevention, alongside vaccination against influenza, frequent and thorough handwashing, avoiding crowded places, and staying at home when ill all play an important role in reducing the risk of further transmission, the statement concluded.