Flu viruses circulate around the world. They hit particularly hard where it is winter season. Like most recently in Australia. Now the variant has also arrived in Italy.
There were already reports in August and September: The flu season in Australia was severe this year. To understand: Infections with viruses that are considered seasonal usually occur in the winter months. The vaccines in the northern hemisphere are therefore tailored to the virus strains that are rampant in the southern hemisphere during the winter season.
Australia experienced a particularly severe flu epidemic this year. The reason for this is a specific strain of the virus: H3N2. This subtype of strain A usually leads to more severe illnesses in the season – i.e. to higher disease rates and more deaths.
In the Australian state of Queensland alone, one in four flu tests were positive in August. According to media reports, the virus subtype triggered the second strongest flu season in the last ten years.
Now Italian media are reporting that the “Australian flu” has been detected there. Cases have been registered in Lombardy, Lazio and Piedmont. In addition to the typical flu symptoms, there are also signs of illness that worry experts. “The first alarm came from Fabrizio Pregliasco, a virologist at the University of Milan,” says Il Messaggero. It is a variant of the flu virus that is known to be particularly immune-evasive, i.e. able to bypass part of the immune system’s defenses.
In the same newspaper, Matteo Bassetti, from the Policlinico San Martino hospital in Genoa, warned after the infection of a 76-year-old man with a serious clinical picture and important symptoms: “The neurological picture predominates. This virus affects not only the lungs and the throat, but also the brain .” After the infection, the man was no longer able to recognize his wife.
It was already known that this flu subtype also causes neurological deficits. The good news: The vaccine for the fall/winter season in Germany covers this variant. Vaccination is therefore urgently recommended, especially for high-risk patients. As a rule, the peak of the wave of infections with flu viruses is expected at the beginning of the year.
The Standing Vaccination Commission recommends an annual flu vaccination for chronically ill people, pregnant women from the second trimester onwards, residents of old people’s and nursing homes and medical staff. In order to be protected in good time, the RKI recommends getting vaccinated from October to mid-December.
Interview Transcript: Understanding the Emergence of the Flu Virus with Dr. Elena Rossi, Infectious Disease Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Rossi! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent flu virus developments.
Dr. Elena Rossi (ER): It’s great to be here, thank you for having me!
TNE: Let’s dive right in. We’ve seen reports of a severe flu season in Australia, particularly a strain known as H3N2. Can you explain what makes this particular strain so concerning?
ER: Absolutely. The H3N2 strain is known to cause more severe illness compared to other strains. It often leads to higher rates of hospitalization and mortality, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. This year, it has led to a particularly aggressive flu season in Australia, making levels of infection unprecedented.
TNE: Australia is currently in their winter season while we are heading into ours. How does this seasonal difference affect flu patterns globally?
ER: That’s a great question! Influenza viruses typically follow seasonal patterns, with infections peaking in winter months. In the southern hemisphere, the flu season occurs in their winter — contrasting with our northern hemisphere. The strains that circulate in Australia can influence the viruses we see later in our winter because vaccine formulations are often based on the prominent strains identified in the south.
TNE: So, that means the vaccines developed for our upcoming flu season are tailored based on what was happening in Australia, correct?
ER: Exactly! Public health officials and vaccine manufacturers closely monitor flu activity in the south to predict and prepare for the incoming season in the north. But this year, with the H3N2 strain being so dominant and robust, the efficacy of the vaccine may be put to the test, especially if the strain mutates.
TNE: We have started to see reports of confirmed cases of this “Australian flu” in Italy, particularly in regions like Lombardy and Lazio. What symptoms are healthcare providers observing with this strain?
ER: While typical flu symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches are prevalent, there are additional symptoms that have raised flags among health experts, such as more severe respiratory issues. It is critical to monitor these developments closely, as they can indicate how the virus behaves differently in diverse populations.
TNE: With such a rapid spread reported, what measures should individuals and communities be taking right now?
ER: First and foremost, vaccination is key. It’s crucial for everyone, especially high-risk populations, to get their flu shot. Additionally, practicing good hygiene — frequent hand washing, wearing masks in crowded places, and staying home when feeling unwell — can help reduce transmission. Community awareness and preparedness are vital in managing this outbreak effectively.
TNE: As we move forward, what should we expect in the coming months regarding this flu season in Europe?
ER: Given the severity of the Australian flu season and the presence of H3N2, we can expect a challenging flu season in Europe. Continued surveillance and responsive public health measures will be imperative to control its spread. We’re also keeping an eye on new variants, which could complicate matters further.
TNE: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Rossi. It’s crucial information for our readers. How can they stay updated as the situation evolves?
ER: I recommend following reliable health sources like the World Health Organization and national health departments. They will provide ongoing updates and guidance.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Rossi, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s been enlightening and will surely help our readers better understand the flu landscape this season.
ER: Thank you for having me! Stay safe, everyone!