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The flu wave has already hit Austria – around a month earlier than in previous years.
While the peak is usually reached in January, the number of cases is already rising significantly this year at Christmas and New Year.
Mutated variant spreads
The H3N2 influenza variant is currently dominant. According to Judith Aberle, Professor of Virus Immunology at MedUni Vienna, around 80 percent of cases are caused by H3N2, with the rest caused by H1N1. The new mutant is not considered more dangerous, but it could be more easily transmissible.
Vaccine less effective – but protection still important
The flu vaccine is less effective due to the mutation. However, initial data from the UK suggests that it can still reduce severe cases and hospitalizations. Experts are observing an increase in hospital admissions.
Symptoms and risk
Influenza typically begins abruptly – unlike COVID-19 or colds, whose symptoms tend to develop more gradually. High fever, headache, muscle pain, and cough are common symptoms. In severe cases, complications such as pneumonia or heart attack can occur.
- source: oe24.at/picture: pixabay.com
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