Health says influenza variant appears in several states

The executive secretary of the Ministry of Health, Rodrigo Cruz, said on two social networks that the Darwin strain, a variant of the H3N2 influenza, has appeared in several states across the country.

The new variant is responsible for the off-season flu epidemic in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, among other states.

“A new strain of the Influenza A virus, H3N2, Darwin, has been registered in our systems, in several states of the country. That’s why we recommend that all health-related care be prioritized, the use of masks, hand hygiene is still summarily important,” he said.

Cruz also pointed out that the flu virus and the Covid-19 virus attack the respiratory system and cause similar symptoms. Therefore, it is important that people maintain non-pharmacological care and get vaccinated.

Current flu vaccines are not prepared to deal with this strain.

Still, experts say, getting the vaccine is a good way to be prepared for other threats. In addition to the individual benefit, preventing illness is a way to contribute to alleviating the demand for care in health services.

According to the Butantan Institute, the vaccine against influenza that will be distributed in the Unified Health System in 2022 is already in production. It will be delivered to the population in March this year and will contain protection against the Darwin strain.

Constant mutations in flu viruses — the most common in the world — that lead to new variants are common.

For this reason, the WHO (World Health Organization) constantly monitors the variants in circulation and, twice a year, recommends which changes in the vaccines should be.