Rising H3N2 Flu Variant Prompts Global Vaccination Warnings

WISE NEWS PRESS / LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — DEC. 10, 2025

Health authorities are observing a severe influenza season across the Northern Hemisphere this year, driven largely by the emergence of the Influenza A H3N2 K variant.

The rapid spread and severity of cases are attributed to low population immunity, as viruses similar to this specific variant have not been in circulation for a significant period. Consequently, experts are urging the public to get vaccinated to mitigate the risk of serious illness and hospitalization.

Global Measures and Recommendations

In response to the surge, the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) has urgently advised individuals with low immunity to get the flu vaccine. Meanwhile, in Spain, the severity of the outbreak has led hospitals in the city of Murcia to reinstate mandatory mask-wearing protocols.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends influenza vaccination for everyone older than six months. In Turkey, health officials recommend administering these vaccines between September and March.

Vaccine Types and Risk Groups

Dr. Selda Handan Karahan, a member of the Istanbul Family Medicine Association Scientific Commission, stated that three different flu vaccines are currently in use in Turkey: Vaxigrip, Influvac, and Fluarix tetra.

While the vaccine is recommended for the general public, specific high-risk groups in Turkey are eligible to receive it free of charge. These groups include:

• Individuals aged 65 and older.

• Residents of nursing homes and elderly care facilities.

• Pregnant women in their second or third trimester.

• Those with chronic pulmonary (including asthma) and cardiovascular diseases.

• Individuals with chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes), chronic renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathy, or immune deficiency, as well as those receiving immunosuppressive therapy.

• Children aged 6 months to 18 years who are on long-term acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin) therapy.

Effectiveness and Symptoms

Experts emphasize that while the vaccine aims to protect against the most common viruses, it is still possible to contract the flu after vaccination. However, in such cases, the illness typically progresses more mildly and resolves faster. The vaccine's protective effect generally begins 14 days after administration.

Distinguishing between respiratory illnesses remains crucial during this season.

• Common Cold: Symptoms appear gradually, mostly affecting the nose and throat, often starting with ear pressure.

• Flu: Onsets suddenly with fever, muscle aches, exhaustion, and dry cough, often requiring bed rest.

• Covid-19: Shares typical flu symptoms but is often characterized by a loss of taste or smell and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.

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