02.12.2025 12:16
Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü made important warnings regarding the new "H3N2" virus, which emerged in Australia and has been confirmed to have undergone 7 mutations. Regarding the highly contagious virus, which is not fully protected by the flu vaccines available, Özlü stated, "An influenza outbreak has not yet started in our country, but it is being seen very frequently in Europe. In the coming days, such an outbreak will also begin in our country."
The "H3N2" virus, one of the subtypes of influenza A that emerged in Australia, has come to the forefront due to an increase in cases worldwide. Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü issued warnings regarding the virus, which can spread faster than the classic flu and cause more severe symptoms in certain risk groups.
"IT HAS MUTATED NEARLY 7 TIMES"
Prof. Dr. Özlü stated, "The H3N2 virus is actually the typical flu virus that we know and refer to as influenza A. This year, there is an outbreak that started in the Southern Hemisphere. When the subtype of the virus causing this outbreak in Australia was analyzed, it was found to have undergone nearly 7 mutations at different points."
"TRANSMISSION RATE IS HIGHER"
Pointing out that the disease is spreading rapidly, Prof. Dr. Özlü said, "As a result, it has been determined that the transmission rate of the virus is higher than that of the normal flu virus. This virus has moved to the Northern Hemisphere. We see that a large portion of the cases in Japan and the UK are related to the H3N2 virus. There are predictions that this outbreak will spread more quickly and affect more people compared to the normal flu virus. There is currently no information indicating that it leads to a severe disease course, but there are indications that the transmission rate has increased," he expressed.
"RISK GROUPS CAN BE VACCINATED"
Emphasizing the need for vaccination of risk groups, Prof. Dr. Özlü noted that the likelihood of the 'H3N2' virus being seen in Turkey in the near future is high, stating, "We already know that flu viruses can be severe and complicated, especially in those under 5 years old and over 50. Particularly, the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and infants and children need to be well protected in this regard. The flu vaccines we have provide partial protection against this virus as well. The mutations it has undergone have somewhat weakened the effectiveness of the vaccines. Despite the existing vaccines, there is still a potential for illness. There is also information that those who have received the flu vaccine do not experience severe illness. Those who have been vaccinated will be better protected. If there are still unvaccinated individuals among the risk groups, they can be vaccinated," he stated.
"IT WON'T TAKE LONG FOR IT TO REACH TURKEY"
Expressing that the virus will also come to Turkey, Özlü said, "An influenza outbreak has not yet started in our country, but it is frequently seen in Europe. It will not take long for it to arrive in our country. Such an outbreak will likely begin in our country in the coming days."
"AVOID CONTACT WITH SICK PEOPLE"
Prof. Dr. Özlü stated that the virus has symptoms similar to those of a flu infection, saying, "In addition to vaccination, to manage the risk of such an outbreak, we recommend that sick individuals do not go out into social areas, rest at home, use masks, and pay attention to hygiene. The vast majority of isolated cases in Europe are the 'H3N2' virus. Considering the intense communication of our country with Europe, the likelihood of isolating such a virus in Turkey in the coming days is very high. Protecting against the virus is similar to protecting against respiratory viral infections. Healthy individuals need to avoid contact with sick people. If those around you have a flu infection, have a fever, a runny nose, and are coughing, you should maintain distance. The symptoms are actually similar to those of other viral infections. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, sneezing, post-nasal drip, body weakness, malaise, and headaches," he concluded.