ASIATODAY.ID, GENEVA — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a global warning as a new influenza variant rapidly spreads across continents, triggering an early and intense flu season in the Northern Hemisphere.
Despite the alarming surge, WHO stressed that vaccination remains the most effective shield against severe illness and hospitalization.
Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Dr Wenqing Zhang, Unit Head for Global Respiratory Threats at WHO’s Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Threats Management, confirmed that influenza and other respiratory viruses are on the rise worldwide this year.
“This season is marked by the emergence and rapid expansion of a new AH3N2 virus subclade,” she said on December 16, 2025.
A Fast-Spreading Genetic Shift
The new influenza variant — officially known as J.2.4.1 or subclade K — was first identified in Australia and New Zealand in August. Since then, it has been detected in more than 30 countries, signaling swift global transmission.
While current data do not suggest increased disease severity, Dr Zhang cautioned that the virus has undergone a significant genetic evolution.
“Influenza viruses are constant shape-shifters,” she explained.
“This genetic drift is precisely why influenza vaccine compositions must be regularly updated.”
WHO continuously monitors these changes through its long-standing Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS), a worldwide network of laboratories and experts that evaluates public health risks and updates vaccine recommendations twice each year.
Vaccines Still Save Lives
Although the new variant is not included in the latest Northern Hemisphere vaccine formulation, early evidence indicates that current seasonal vaccines remain effective — especially in preventing severe outcomes.
“Early data show that existing vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and significantly reduce hospitalization risks,” Dr Zhang said.
A recent study from the United Kingdom found that the vaccine is approximately 75 percent effective against severe illness and hospitalization in children, and around 35 percent effective in adults.
Globally, WHO estimates that seasonal influenza infects around one billion people every year, leading to up to five million severe cases and as many as 650,000 deaths from influenza-related respiratory diseases.
Holiday Season Could Fuel Another Surge
With global travel and holiday gatherings approaching, WHO warned that respiratory infections could surge further.
“Advanced planning and preparedness are critical,” Dr Zhang said.
“This includes boosting vaccination coverage and strengthening health system readiness.”
WHO also urged countries to enhance laboratory diagnostics, maintain year-round disease surveillance, and actively participate in the GISRS network, which includes influenza centres in 130 countries and a dozen reference laboratories worldwide.
Global Surveillance Is Non-Negotiable
Asked whether the United States would remain engaged in global influenza surveillance despite its planned withdrawal from WHO in January 2026, Dr Zhang emphasized that no country can afford to opt out.
“From a flu and pandemic preparedness perspective, we need every country involved,” she said.
“We do not know when or where the next pandemic strain will emerge.”
“The time between a virus emerging and being detected, analyzed, and incorporated into vaccines can mean the difference between thousands — or millions — of lives saved.” (at Network)
Follow Us at Google News and WA Channel