United Nations, Dec 17 (Prensa Latina) The new variant of influenza A(H3N2), known as J.2.4.1 or subclade K, has already been detected in more than 30 countries, the UN reported.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), although this new variant is not included in current vaccines in the Northern Hemisphere, initial data indicate that existing vaccines continue to protect against severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalization.

The organization warns that subclade K is spreading rapidly, with the influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere reaching its peak earlier than usual.

Therefore, the WHO emphasizes that vaccination remains the best protection against the most severe symptoms.

Today, 30 countries have reported cases after the new flu variant was first identified in Australia and New Zealand last August.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the United States and Canada are also experiencing a progressive increase in detections of subclade K, but to date, no similar circulation has been observed in South America.

The figures show that the circulation of this flu strain has grown rapidly in Europe and Asian countries, where it represents a significant proportion of the influenza A(H3N2) viruses analyzed, PAHO states.

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