Giuseppe
Emeritus
[Source: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, full page: (LINK). Edited.]
Prevention Strategies for Seasonal and Influenza A(H3N2)v in Health Care Settings
Influenza A(H3N2)variant [A(H3N2)v] virus is an influenza virus that contains genes from human, avian and swine origins. As of 23 December, 2011, the virus has been detected in 12 persons in the U.S., all since July 2011. Most infections with this virus have resulted in self-limited, mild respiratory illnesses; however, three persons have been hospitalized.
None have died. While it is unknown whether this virus will continue to occur among humans or become more common, it is possible that health care providers will care for patients that are infected with this virus.
There are no data to indicate that the transmission characteristics of the A(H3N2)v virus will be different than those of seasonal influenza viruses.
As a result, CDC advises that the infections control principles and actions relevant for seasonal influenza are appropriate for the control of A(H3N2)v as well.
Of special note is that the current infection control guidance recommends vaccination of health care workers and patients as a critical step to reduce seasonal influenza transmission in these settings.
Current CDC data indicate that seasonal vaccines may provide limited protection against infection with A(H3N2)v viruses among adults and no protection in children.
While the effectiveness of current seasonal vaccines to protect against A(H3N2)v virus infections might be reduced compared with effectiveness of seasonal vaccines against seasonal influenza, CDC recommends their use.
They remain the best tool for the prevention of seasonal influenza transmission in health care settings, which is currently the greatest risk from influenza during this influenza season.
The existing guidance can be found at Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Health Care Settings.
CDC will update or expand this guidance as needed as more information becomes known about influenza A(H3N2)v.
Additional information on influenza prevention, treatment, and control can be found on Seasonal Influenza (Flu) web site.
- ------Influenza A(H3N2)variant [A(H3N2)v] virus is an influenza virus that contains genes from human, avian and swine origins. As of 23 December, 2011, the virus has been detected in 12 persons in the U.S., all since July 2011. Most infections with this virus have resulted in self-limited, mild respiratory illnesses; however, three persons have been hospitalized.
None have died. While it is unknown whether this virus will continue to occur among humans or become more common, it is possible that health care providers will care for patients that are infected with this virus.
There are no data to indicate that the transmission characteristics of the A(H3N2)v virus will be different than those of seasonal influenza viruses.
As a result, CDC advises that the infections control principles and actions relevant for seasonal influenza are appropriate for the control of A(H3N2)v as well.
Of special note is that the current infection control guidance recommends vaccination of health care workers and patients as a critical step to reduce seasonal influenza transmission in these settings.
Current CDC data indicate that seasonal vaccines may provide limited protection against infection with A(H3N2)v viruses among adults and no protection in children.
While the effectiveness of current seasonal vaccines to protect against A(H3N2)v virus infections might be reduced compared with effectiveness of seasonal vaccines against seasonal influenza, CDC recommends their use.
They remain the best tool for the prevention of seasonal influenza transmission in health care settings, which is currently the greatest risk from influenza during this influenza season.
The existing guidance can be found at Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Health Care Settings.
CDC will update or expand this guidance as needed as more information becomes known about influenza A(H3N2)v.
Additional information on influenza prevention, treatment, and control can be found on Seasonal Influenza (Flu) web site.