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.