NEWS A new influenza strain, the K variant, is spreading across Europe and detected in Sweden. It is a subtype of influenza A (H3N2) and raises concern as it causes more severe symptoms and spreads faster than previous strains. This year’s flu vaccine is not fully adapted to protect against it, according to the Public Health Agency of Sweden and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Niklas Arnberg, professor at the Department of Clinical Microbiology at Umeå university, says the K variant makes it especially important this year for older adults and people in risk groups to get vaccinated ahead of the flu season.
ImageMattias Petterssonthere is extra reason to get vaccinated this year
“Symptoms resemble classic influenza with high fever, chills, headache, dry cough, and muscle pain, but they may be more pronounced with this variant,” Niklas Arnberg explains.
The K variant has been linked to an early start of the flu season in several countries, and experts warn that this season could be tougher than usual. Although the vaccine offers less protection against infection with the K variant, Arnberg emphasizes that vaccination remains important:
“The vaccine likely provides somewhat weaker protection against the K variant than we would like, but it is by no means ineffective. It also protects against other circulating influenza strains and reduces the risk of severe illness, which is particularly important for older adults and those in risk groups.”
To reduce transmission, good hand hygiene, sneezing into your elbow, and avoiding close contact with elderly or vulnerable individuals when symptomatic are recommended. However, Niklas Arnberg does not believe society will need to impose restrictions or other measures.
“But I do think there is extra reason to get vaccinated this year, thus more reason than in previous years,” he adds.
