New ‘double mutant’ strains H1N1 influenza According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it may pose a threat in the United States.
Details about the two strains, I223V and S247N, were published in the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.
The agency said Wednesday that at least two cases of the flu variant have been confirmed in humans in the United States.
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In total, the researchers identified 101 samples of the “double mutant” virus.
The concern is that these influenza strains, Antiviral drugs These include drugs commonly used to treat the virus, most notably Tamiflu (oseltamivir), a common flu treatment made by the Swiss company Roche.
A new “double mutant” strain of H1N1 influenza poses a possible threat in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (iStock)
“The double mutants we tested retained susceptibility to other approved influenza antiviral drugs, including baloxavir,” the researchers wrote in their findings.
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“Our study highlights the need to closely monitor the evolution of double mutants, as further changes may further affect their susceptibility to antiviral drugs or confer a competitive advantage over circulating viruses. Wild-type virus“
The strain has been detected in 15 countries across five continents, but is predominantly prevalent in Europe, according to the study.
“The double mutant we tested retained susceptibility to other approved influenza antiviral drugs, including baloxavir,” the researchers wrote. (iStock)
The researchers found that the mutation It is widespread around the world From May 2023 onwards.
I223V and S247N were first tested by scientists in Hong Kong, whose findings were published in the journal The Lancet MicroBee in March 2024.
The researchers also found that the variant makes Tamiflu less effective.
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Dr. Mark Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine NYU Langone Medical Center The Fox News medical correspondent said it was “highly unusual” that influenza A (H1N1, a distant relative of the Spanish flu) was spreading in southern states at this time of year.
The CDC said people with flu can ease their symptoms by taking antiviral medication, which is most important for high-risk patients. (iStock)
“The flu season is usually over by March,” Siegel told Fox News Digital. “The flu doesn’t spread as easily in hot, humid weather.”
“This mutation worries me because the use of Tamiflu seems to be very effective in reducing the severity of the disease, especially in high-risk groups and the elderly, and it also seems to have fewer side effects,” he added.
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However, the doctor said he still recommended the drug’s use as it has some effectiveness, “or would also consider using other anti-influenza drugs.”
Siegel also Vaccine Booster For the elderly and people in high-risk groups.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated annually during active influenza seasons. (iStock)
According to the CDC website, influenza is estimated to have sickened at least 35 million people, hospitalized 390,000 and killed 24,000 so far this season.
The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated annually during active influenza seasons.
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The CDC said people with flu can ease their symptoms by taking antiviral medication, which is most important for high-risk patients.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Roche and the CDC for additional comment.
