Translated with AI
Amid the early start of the flu season in the Northern Hemisphere, a new AH3N2 variant of the virus is spreading, with vaccination remaining "the most effective means of protection," according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Wenqing Zhang, Head of the Global Respiratory Threats Unit at the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threat Management, reported that influenza and other respiratory viruses are actively spreading. According to her, the new AH3N2 variant was first detected in August 2025 in Australia and New Zealand and has since been identified in more than 30 countries.
The expert noted that while existing epidemiological data does not indicate an increase in disease severity, the virus's genetic transformation represents a significant stage in its evolution. Influenza viruses are constantly changing, which is why vaccines are regularly updated.
“WHO monitors these changes, assesses the associated public health risks, and develops recommendations on vaccine composition twice a year through the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) – in collaboration with other global experts,” Zhang emphasized.
According to her, the new virus variant was not included in the vaccines produced for the current flu season in the Northern Hemisphere. However, early data suggests that seasonal vaccines provide protection against severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization.
According to WHO estimates, approximately one billion cases of seasonal influenza are registered worldwide each year, including up to five million cases of severe respiratory illness. Up to 650,000 deaths per year are associated with respiratory complications caused by seasonal influenza.
Wenqing Zhang emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective means of protection, including against "drifting" strains, especially for high-risk groups and their caregivers.
The expert also cited preliminary data from the UK on the vaccine's effectiveness against the new variant. According to these data, the vaccine prevents severe disease and hospitalization by approximately 75 percent in children and by approximately 35 percent in adults.
Zhang warned that the upcoming holiday season could trigger a new surge in respiratory illnesses. She recommended advance planning, increased preparedness, active promotion of vaccination, and strengthening the preparedness of healthcare systems.
The WHO expert also recommended that countries strengthen laboratory diagnostics and year-round disease surveillance by participating in the GISRS network. This network includes influenza centers in 130 countries, as well as more than ten reference laboratories.
When asked about the United States' continued participation in the GISRS network after the country leaves the WHO on January 22, 2026, Zhang emphasized that the participation of all countries in surveillance, preparedness, and response to influenza and other respiratory viruses is essential, as it is impossible to predict the emergence of the next pandemic strain.
"The time between the emergence of the virus, its detection, characterization, and inclusion in vaccines can be critical to the number of lives saved," she concluded.
