The Argentine pathologist Martha Cohenbased in the United Kingdom, described in LN+ an epidemiological scenario for a “Super flu”which he defined as worrying and compared with recent experiences: “This reminds me of the pandemic”.
During the interview, he noted that the flu was at its peak went ahead This year, flu A circulated earlier than usual, which suddenly increased the number of cases. According to British records There are 56% more infections than at the same time last yeara number that is higher than health authorities expected.
Cohen specified this The virus has mutations compared to the previous variant, which has increased its infectious capacity and reduced immune performance: “Vaccines are less effective, it is estimated that they are 75% effective, so severe cases do not occur.”.
At the same time, he warned against it 2,000 people are hospitalized in British hospitalsand this growth could accelerate: “It is estimated that there will be around 8,000 by Christmas”. The most vulnerable groups continue to be affected People over 65 years of age with immune deficiency and small children.
The specialist described the outbreak as unprecedented in its scope and emphasized that although mortality from influenza is nothing new, The frequency of infections requires strict precautions.
Cohen explained that the current warnings do not mandate curfews, but recommend individual restrictions to avoid overwhelming the health system. “They recommend that people with flu wear a mask to avoid infecting others, keep their distance and not go outside and work from home so as not to overwhelm the hospitals.”he explained.
He emphasized that this is the central goal Avoid hospitalization spikes at a time of year when winter increases overall care needs. As he warned, high virus circulation is required sustainable care behaviorparticularly in vulnerable populations.
The pathologist explained this in the UK The vaccination takes place in Octobercoinciding with the beginning of autumn. Despite it is not mandatoryreached 92% coverage through a strong information and prevention culture. “There is a lot of awareness about vaccines, why you should get vaccinated and what the symptoms are”held.
Regarding Argentina, Cohen was explicit: “I do not recommend that people in Argentina get vaccinated because the effectiveness lasts for six months, which is the duration of the winter. I recommend that they get vaccinated in March.”. For those traveling to Europe in January, he recommended anticipation: “If you come to Europe in January, get vaccinated two weeks before your arrival.”.
The flu season in the Northern Hemisphere is progressing with unusual behavior. Several countries in Europe and the United States are experiencing an accelerated increase in infections caused by the K subclass of the H3N2 virus, a variant that was several weeks ahead of the seasonal calendar and led to sustained increases in doctor visits and hospitalizations. The combination of higher transmissibility, the simultaneous spread of other respiratory viruses and winter population movement puts extraordinary pressure on health systems, according to reports from international organizations.
According to the World Health Organization, flu activity began three to six weeks earlier than expected. In Spain, current figures are well above those of last year and a similar trend can be observed in Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada and Japan. In all these countries The K subdivision became predominant and its advance suggests the season could even extend into the spring.
Adding to this dynamic is the simultaneous spread of the respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2. a coincidence that makes differential diagnoses more difficult and increases the need for children’s wardsLong-term residences and clinics for older people.
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