In recent weeks, due to the heavy rains in Antioquia, there has been talk of an increase in cases of respiratory infections, and while an exact and official number is awaited to specify the cases in the department, municipalities such as Rionegro are already on alert, where in 2025 a 23% increase was registered in infections from these types of diseases. One of them, recently known, was dubbed “superflu.”
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The concern now revolves around that name, as many people believe that by being called that it alludes to the fact that it might potentially be a deadly virus, or that it causes serious effects on the human body.Neither the one nor the other.
With the aim of clarifying the issue and explaining why it is an infection that spreads massively during the rainy season, EL COLOMBIANO spoke with juan Camilo Marín Roldán, a teacher-doctor at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the CES University, who emphatically warned that the superflue is not a pandemic.
What is the superflue?
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“It is a common cold, it is a flu as people commonly know it.There are waves of microorganisms that cause infection,microorganisms called bacteria,viruses,fungi,parasites,this in relation to acute respiratory infections,predominantly viral infection. within the viruses there are many: this influenza, which is type A(H3N2), there are Coronaviruses like the past COVID-19 pandemic, parainfluenza viruses, rhinoviruses, etc.
Currently the wave that exists worldwide, understanding that it is not a pandemic, that this remains in uppercase and bold, is not a pandemic, it is the wave of infection by influenza in its subspecies or subtype A H3N2. Okay. that specific virus has been propagating…
What is the A(H3N2) influenza virus?
The A(H3N2) influenza virus is a subtype of the influenza A virus, commonly known as the flu, that has been circulating globally and is currently causing increased concern due to a rise in cases, particularly in Colombia. It’s characterized by its high transmissibility,though not necessarily increased severity compared to other flu strains.
Influenza A viruses are known for thier ability to mutate, leading to new strains that can evade the immunity developed from previous infections or vaccinations. The H3N2 subtype specifically affects humans and is a frequent component of seasonal flu vaccines. The virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
According to a report by El Colombiano on January 26, 2026, Medellín, Colombia, registered the first confirmed case of influenza A(H3N2) in the country. The article details symptoms and provides information on the initial case.
How does A(H3N2) differ from other flu strains?
While A(H3N2) is a type of influenza A, it differs from other strains like H1N1 and the various strains of influenza B in its genetic makeup and antigenic properties.This means the antibodies developed against one strain may not provide full protection against another.
The current concern surrounding A(H3N2) isn’t necessarily about increased disease severity, but rather its increased transmissibility. This means the virus spreads more easily from person to person. Experts suggest this increased transmissibility is the primary driver of the rising case numbers, not a basic change in the virus’s virulence.
As stated in a recent interview reported by El Colombiano,the increase in cases is linked to the virus’s ease of transmission,stating,”ados a una mayor estadística en los casos con el pasar del tiempo. Pero reitero, supergripa es por la fácil transmisibilidad, no por la gravedad.” (translated: “leads to a greater statistic in cases over time.But I reiterate, super flu is due to easy transmissibility, not severity.”)
What are the symptoms of A(H3N2)?
The symptoms of A(H3N2) are generally similar to those of other influenza viruses. These include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue.
However, some reports suggest that A(H3N2) may present with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, compared to other flu strains. It’s vital to note that symptom presentation can vary considerably between individuals.
El Colombiano’s report on the first case in Medellín details the symptoms observed in the patient, providing a local context for understanding the virus’s presentation in Colombia. The article can be found here.
