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A new strain of flu is currently spreading in Austria. Experts are urging caution and prevention.
The flu is making itself felt earlier than usual this year, by a few weeks. “Influenza virus detections have recently increased in Austria. Compared to previous seasons, this is about two to four weeks earlier,” explains virologist Monika Redlbeger-Fritz from MedUni Vienna and head of the national influenza reference laboratory. In addition, after two relatively harmless flu winters, it looks as if Austria is facing a severe flu epidemic this time around.
This is indicated by the already increased influenza virus activity in the UK, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. In Austria, there have already been repeated cases of influenza in Vienna, Upper Austria, and Styria. In Carinthia, Salzburg, and Burgenland, however, no virus activity has been detected yet.
A new influenza variant is said to be responsible for the early activity of the so-called real flu, which has also already been detected in Austria.” The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) shares this opinion: “The newly emerged influenza strain, A(H3N2) subclade K, is driving circulation,” according to its recently published risk assessment. What you should know about this:
According to the ECDC, in a typical season, influenza causes significant illness in the European population, with up to 50 million symptomatic cases and 15,000 to 70,000 deaths annually. All age groups are affected. It is estimated that up to 20 percent of the population contracts influenza each year.
Vaccination is still recommended for everyone aged six months and older, but especially for risk groups such as people over 60, people with pre-existing conditions, children, and pregnant women. Anyone who has been infected should stay at home or keep their distance and wear a mask, advises the virologist.
- source: heute.at/picture: pixabay.com
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