Influenza A (H1N1) virus has begun to mutate

• April 25, 2024

The Collaboration Center for the Reference and Investigation of the Influenza of the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the virus of the Influenza A (H1N1) It is beginning to change and a new form predominates in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

However, more studies are needed to know if this strain is more likely to cause deaths and if the vaccine current is still useful and can protect us completely from its contagion . A report from the European body Eurosurveillance validates this information and adds that, in effect, the virus has changed little since it emerged in 2009; however, genetically distinct variations have been detected that must be monitored very closely now that the winter influenza season in the northern hemisphere.

In this phase, experts from the European body indicate, although changes in hemagglutinin and neuraminidase protein (two basic components of the virus) have not resulted in significant changes in antigens, which could make the current vaccine less effective, such mutations represent the beginning of a antigenic turn more drastic in pandemic influenza A (H1N1) viruses, which would require an update of the vaccine sooner than one would have thought.

Official data of the influenza A pandemic in 2009

It is a fact that scientists from all over the world are alert to the possibility of the emergence of new flu strains that are especially dangerous. Although WHO declared the pandemic in August 2009, A H1N1 now behaves as the main seasonal strain worldwide, except in South Africa, where influenza H3N2 and B are the most common strains. The current seasonal flu vaccine protects against strains H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B.

The international agency says that around the world confirmed 18 thousand 450 deaths from H1N1 flu, including many pregnant women and young people. However, he believes that it will take at least a year after the pandemic is over to establish the actual death rate, which could be much higher. Seasonal influenza causes some 500 thousand deaths per year 90% are elderly people with fragile health, according to WHO.

In Mexico, before mutation of strains, caution is requested

Flu viruses constantly mutate, which is why people should get vaccinated again against influenza each year. Therefore, health authorities and Mexican doctors urge citizens not to lower their guard, to reinforce preventive measures and continue to be informed about everything concerning the new influenza A (H1N1) virus. For the health sector, the best way to prevent the disease is by performing the following basic hygiene measures:

• Handwashing often with soap and water (when arriving from the street, periodically during the day, after touching areas of common use, after going to the bathroom and before eating)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or with the internal angle of the elbow when coughing or sneezing
• If required spit , do what in a disposable handkerchief , throw it in the trash and wash your hands. Never spit on the ground
• Wash frequently ties , sacks, scarves, coats, among other everyday clothes.

Video Medicine: The H1N1 Swine Flu: A Look Inside (April 2024).