Health officials in the United Kingdom are raising alarms about an especially challenging flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, driven by a novel H3N2 strain. Concerns are heightened by the United States' lack of preparedness for this year's flu outbreak.
The cause for alarm stems from a new H3N2 variant, which surfaced over this summer following the Southern Hemisphere's flu season, featuring several mutations. While these changes do not pose the risk of a lethal pandemic, they could potentially undermine immune defenses, leading to an increased number of severe flu cases and overwhelming healthcare facilities.
The H3N2 influenza strain has already gained substantial traction in the UK, with the flu season commencing approximately five weeks earlier than usual, rapidly accelerating its spread.
The UK Health Security Agency reports that nearly all flu cases in the region thus far have emerged from influenza A strains, predominantly H3N2. Current data indicates H3N2 accounts for over 90% of analyzed influenza cases, with influenza B strains appearing at minimal rates.
Jim Mackey, who assumed the role of chief executive for NHS England in April, voiced his concerns to The BMJ, stating, “There’s no doubt this winter will be one of the toughest our staff have ever faced. Since assuming this role, the prospect of a lengthy flu season has been troubling. Unfortunately, it seems my worst fears are being realized.”
Antonia Ho, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of Glasgow, commented on the situation, noting that the predominant A/H3N2 strain is prone to cause more severe illness than its counterpart A/H1N1, especially among older populations. She emphasized that the premature onset of the flu season could exacerbate the situation, as fewer individuals receive vaccinations early on. “Based on prior experiences, influenza outbreaks that begin early are likely to impact a larger portion of the population,” she added.