Wenqing Zhang, head of the WHO's Global Respiratory Threats Unit, explained that "with the arrival of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, a sharp rise in cases of influenza and other respiratory viruses is observed."
The expert confirmed that the global influenza infection rate remains within the expected range this season. She noted that the organization is monitoring the emergence and spread of a new subtype of the A(H3N2) virus, called J.2.4.1.
"This subtype of the virus was first detected in August in Australia and New Zealand, and has since been identified in more than 30 countries worldwide, excluding South America," she said in a media briefing in Geneva.
The expert added that "current epidemiological data does not indicate an increase in disease severity." According to her, preliminary information gathered on the new strain of this virus suggests that "current seasonal vaccines still provide protection against severe forms of the disease and reduce the risk of hospitalization."
The WHO representative noted that "in addition to influenza, other respiratory viruses are also spreading, including respiratory syncytial virus, coronavirus, and rhinoviruses."
She noted that "in a number of countries, healthcare systems are under additional pressure not only because of increased hospital admissions due to respiratory illnesses, but also because of the seasonal rise in other viral infections, such as norovirus."
According to the World Health Organization website, Hong Kong influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by viruses that circulate throughout the world year-round. There are four types of influenza viruses: A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and B viruses circulate and cause seasonal epidemics.
The World Health Organization explains that influenza is easily transmitted through the air. Although most people recover within a week without needing medical care, influenza can sometimes lead to serious complications, which is why the WHO recommends vaccination.
