17.12.2025 14:39
The mutated H3N2 influenza virus, which has put the world on alert, has started to show its effects in Turkey as well. The expected statement from the Ministry of Health regarding this development, which has caused concern for millions, has been released. The General Director of Public Health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Emin Demirkol, stated, "This variant does not pose any danger to our country. This variant is a seasonal variant that we naturally expect. The influenza virus comes every year, mutating as it does so." Demirkol also provided critical warnings to citizens.
The General Director of Public Health of the Ministry of Health, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammed Emin Demirkol, shared information about the new variant of the H3N2 virus, commonly referred to as "mutated flu," and the course of flu cases in Turkey.
Demirkol pointed out that, as every year, there is a flu season that starts in October and continues until May in Turkey, and with the cold weather, an increase in flu cases has been observed. He stated, "With the cold weather, our citizens have concerns related to this. Due to the high prevalence of flu in their surroundings, workplaces, and children's schools, we are seeing an increase in cases along with the situation brought about by its contagiousness." Emphasizing the need for information dissemination during these periods, Demirkol noted that the virus causing influenza, or flu, has increased worldwide during this time.
"A VARIANT WE NATURALLY EXPECTED"
Explaining that the mutated H3N2 virus is a type of flu virus that started in Australia and spread to Europe, Demirkol mentioned that the K variant of this virus has been observed recently in Europe, causing a significant increase in flu infections. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Demirkol stated, "We can clearly say regarding this in our country, this variant, namely the H3N2 variant, and its K type does not pose any danger at the moment. This variant is a naturally expected seasonal variant. The influenza virus comes every year by mutating. This year, it continues to be effective worldwide by mutating into this variant." he shared.
"DO NOT NEGLECT HYGIENE RULES TO PROTECT AGAINST FLU"
General Director of Public Health Demirkol emphasized the importance of classic measures to protect against the flu, particularly stating that the elderly should avoid crowded environments. He noted that individuals with flu symptoms should not enter crowded areas, should consume plenty of fluids, and if possible, rest at home. Demirkol advised, "Especially when there are flu symptoms, we recommend that our patients do not enter crowded environments, consume plenty of water, and to reduce contagiousness during illness, if possible, to avoid going out and to rest. Hygiene, hand washing, and ensuring hygiene conditions after being in crowded environments are also important." he evaluated.
Demirkol expressed that all flu cases in Turkey are monitored in real-time, stating, "We hope to get through the flu season without reaching a level that would cause concern. This mutation is currently not at a level that we need to worry about in our country. All flu cases are monitored in real-time. We kindly ask our citizens to trust us and feel at ease in this regard." he said.