Flu Cases Rise as New Variant, K Subclade, Circulates
London – A surge in influenza cases is being observed as a new variant of the virus, identified as the K subclade, gains traction. Health officials report the increase is occurring earlier than usual,possibly linked to waning immunity from prior infections and vaccinations. While the variant is spreading, early data suggests existing flu vaccines still offer significant protection against severe illness.
This year’s rise in infections is prompting concern among public health experts, particularly as immunity levels might potentially be suboptimal following recent seasons.The K subclade’s emergence and early spread suggest a degree of immune evasion, making vaccination even more critical for vulnerable populations. The flu virus is notoriously unpredictable,and monitoring its evolution remains a priority for epidemiologists worldwide.
According to a recent study by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), this year’s flu vaccines – designed to target the J subclade – still provide substantial protection against serious complications from the K subclade. The vaccines are estimated to reduce hospitalizations by approximately 70-75% in children and 30-40% in adults. However, data on the vaccines’ effectiveness in preventing infection from the K variant is currently unavailable.
“The flu is almost always unpredictable,” said Antoni Trilla, an epidemiologist at the Hospital Clínic and the University of Barcelona. “The possible predominance this season of a strain of the H3N2 virus with specific mutations does not seem to be associated, so far, with greater clinical severity or with a loss of effectiveness of the vaccine. We will have to remain attentive to the evolution of the influenza epidemic.”
Jamie Lopez Bernal emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, “we can be confident that the vaccine will help protect the most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalized.” Health officials continue to monitor the situation and urge individuals, especially those at higher risk, to get vaccinated against the flu.
