Gripa apare neobișnuit de devreme în mai multe țări. Cercetătorii au descoperit o modificare a virusului • Newsweek România

The flu season is starting unusually early in several countries, with researchers monitoring a genetic change in the H1N1 virus that may affect immune recognition. Reports indicate rising positive tests in the UK, US, and Japan, leading to temporary school closures. The H1N1 virus currently dominates flu cases in the US, with a notable genetic alteration, G155E, making some strains harder for existing antibodies to recognize. A study involving blood samples from 260 individuals suggests that this change particularly affects recognition by antibodies in adolescents and young adults. Despite the early onset, experts caution that it does not necessarily indicate more severe cases ahead. Vaccination is recommended, especially for vulnerable groups, as it takes about two weeks to develop immunity.