A new report from the United Nations warns that influenza and other respiratory viruses are increasing worldwide, with the current flu season marked by the emergence of a new AH3N2 virus subclade. Health officials say the variant, known as J.2.4.1, or subclade K, was first identified in Australia and New Zealand in August and has since been detected in more than 30 countries.
Dr. Wenqing Zhang, Unit Head for Global Respiratory Threats at the World Health Organization’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threats Management, said the virus’s spread underscores the importance of global surveillance. Influenza viruses, she explained, are constantly evolving, which is why seasonal flu vaccines are updated regularly. “WHO tracks these changes, assesses associated risks to public health, and makes vaccine composition recommendations twice a year through a longstanding global system,” Zhang said, referring to the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS).
Despite the emergence of new variants, Dr. Zhang emphasized that current seasonal flu vaccines continue to provide protection against severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization. According to WHO data, seasonal influenza causes approximately one billion infections each year, including five million cases of severe respiratory illness and more than 600,000 deaths globally.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective defense against influenza. “Vaccination remains our most effective defense, including against drifted strains, particularly for high-risk populations and those who care for them,” Dr. Zhang said. She added that ongoing global monitoring is critical, noting that scientists cannot predict when or where the next pandemic strain may emerge.
Public health experts continue to encourage vaccination, good hygiene practices, and staying informed as flu activity increases worldwide.
