2024 Flu Update: Expert Warns of Severe Epidemic

According to Prof. Dr. Yong‌ Phuworawan, Head ⁤of Clinical Virology Specialty Center, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Medicine, this year’s flu epidemic is expected to be severe,‌ particularly during the rainy season.

The importance of influenza vaccination⁢ cannot be overstated, as it helps prevent and reduce the severity⁣ of‍ the⁤ disease. It is essential to get vaccinated every year, taking ‌into account​ the epidemic strain. The World Health Organization‍ (WHO) holds meetings to select the strains expected to spread ⁤in the‌ next season.

Prof. Dr. Yong​ Phuworawan‌ emphasized that from 2025 onwards, only three strains will remain in the vaccine. This year’s flu pandemic is a result ⁣of “immunity debt” that must be addressed, as the incidence of influenza‌ decreased during the ⁣Covid-19 pandemic.

There are ⁢several⁤ strains of⁤ influenza, but Prof. Dr. Yong​ Phuworawan personally attaches the ⁤greatest importance to influenza A, as it can ​cause a global pandemic and is transmitted from humans to animals. Influenza B, ⁣on the other hand, is only⁣ found in humans, while the‌ Victoria strain of influenza C is relatively rare, found in only 1-2 cases⁣ out of 1,000 patients with respiratory ​system issues.

Key‍ Takeaways:

• This ⁣year’s flu epidemic is expected to be severe, ​especially during the rainy season.
• Influenza vaccination is crucial⁤ in preventing and reducing the severity of ​the ⁣disease.
• The World Health Organization (WHO)⁣ selects the strains expected to spread⁢ in the next season for vaccine development.
• From 2025 onwards, only three strains⁤ will remain in the vaccine.