The H3N2 “super flu”caused by the K subclass of influenza A, is progressing rapidly in Argentina, with confirmed cases in Buenos Aires, Santa Cruz and Neuquénwhich affect both children as well as adultsSome of them have been hospitalized with pneumonia, raising concerns among authorities and specialists. Although the current vaccine maintains its effectiveness, particularly against severe forms, Expectations for the new vaccine are increasing This could ease the burden on the healthcare system in the face of the next flu wave in the southern hemisphere.
At this time, the World Health Organization (WHO) had already identified the northern winter strains, but the K subclade was expected and showed a greater transmissibility and infectious capacity. In fact, in Peru the first batch of the new vaccine will be available as early as early February, although it is not yet known with certainty when the mutated strain will be officially deployed for the campaign in the southern hemisphere.
However, in Argentina the authorities are evaluating to advance the vaccination campaign in 2026which usually begins between March and April Aim to protect risk groups: Children under 2 years old, over 65, pregnant women, healthcare workers and people with comorbidities. Still, the date depends Production and available inventory of the laboratories, in addition to the state sales logistics.
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The First cases discovered In the country, these included a 5-year-old child in Buenos Aires and two teenagers in Santa Cruz, while in Neuquén two new infections were later added, a minor and an adult, both hospitalized with pneumonia and recovering satisfactorily. The variant was then confirmed using genetic sequencing at the Malbrán Institutewhich allowed us to identify the presence of the K subclade.
Now the spread of the super flu is not limited to Argentina: Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia Cases added to those already detected in Peru, Chile and Brazil, evidence of rapid regional spread this more contagious variant, which partially reduces the protection provided by previous vaccinations and the immunity acquired from previous infections.
In this way, experts recommend using Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) as a complementary antiviral treatment, especially in people with risk factors. According to the National Epidemiological BulletinOseltamivir can reduce the severity and duration of the diseaseand acts as a strategic complement.
A mutation that “tricks” the immune system.
The respiratory virus season lasted one unexpected turnaround with the consolidation of the K subcladea genetic branch of the known Influenza A (H3N2). Although the flu virus changes every year, this particular variant caught the attention of disease control centers because of its unusual ability to transmit.
Nevertheless, subclass K is not a new virus, but a further development of H3N2and the main difference lies in its immune evasion ability. According to the latest technical reports, this virus has changes in its surface protein they allow you “evade“ partly the immune system caused by previous infections or, in some cases, reduce the effectiveness of vaccines from previous seasons: “We are not dealing with a virus that is more deadly than traditional H3N2, but we are dealing with a virus that is much more efficient at transmitting from person to person.”
In fact, unlike the common cold, which usually manifests itself progressively, the “super flu” is characterized by a explosive start. Within a few hours the patient can go from feeling well to being confined to bed.
The cardinal signs reported in this wave are:
Beard fever: Temperatures above 39°C, which are difficult to reduce in the first 48 hours.
Extreme prostration: Fatigue so severe that it prevents you from carrying out basic daily tasks.
Persistent cough: Generally dry, which may cause chest pain with exertion.
Severe headache: Frontal headache and behind the eyes.
Now doctors are seeing one in the pediatric population more frequent occurrence of digestive problems B. Abdominal pain and vomiting, which means the initial diagnosis is often confused with gastroenteritis.
For this reason, the health system recommends closely monitoring the development of the disease, especially in risk groups (under 2 years, over 65 years and people with comorbidities). Medical attention should be sought in the following cases:
Difficulty breathing or feeling short of breath.
Persistent pain or pressure in the chest.
mental confusion or sudden dizziness.
Infectiologist on the H3N2 flu in Argentina: “It will circulate strongly at the beginning of autumn”
Cyanosis: Bluish discoloration of lips or nails.
MV/EM
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