Spain is already in an epidemic phase of influenza and health alarms have been set off by the spread of the so-called K variant of influenza, a mutation of the A virus (H3N2) that is causing a wave of infections earlier than expected and in advance of Christmas. Although this subvariant does not seem to generate more serious clinical pictures than the usual seasonal flu, its greater capacity for transmission and its early appearance are increasing the pressure on primary care and hospital emergency services, which are already operating with strained resources.
Public health experts emphasize that this strain presents mutations in the hemagglutinin protein that allow it to partially evade previous immunity, and has behaved differently from other flu seasons, with early outbreaks and an increase in the number of cases in several autonomous communities.
A virus circulating before its time
Specialists have observed an unusual behavior of influenza viruses this season. The presence of the K variant has caused infections to appear
The technical explanation behind this expansion refers to the mutations that characterize this subvariant. According to La Razón, epidemiologist Joan Carles March describes that this variant has acquired “some seven mutations that make it spread more easily by partially evading the immunity generated by vaccines or past infections”, which would explain its rapid spread even among vaccinated people or those who have previously had the flu.
The 10 most frequent symptoms of variant K
Although variant K is not associated with a greater severity of symptoms, it has been observed that, as it circulates more easily, it increases the absolute number of infections, which can lead to a greater number of hospitalizations and overcrowding in health centers. According to the experts, the most characteristic symptoms of the cases detected include:
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Sudden high fever
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Generalized body pain
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Intense fatigue, exhaustion, and general malaise.
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Dry cough
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Sore throat
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Headache
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Difficulty sleeping
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Loss of appetite
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Diarrhea
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Stomach pain
In addition, in the case of children, additional symptoms such as ear pain and decreased activity or apathy have been observed, which may be important indicators of influenza infection in young children.
Clinical indicators of influenza K
The symptomatology recorded at the health centers shows representative percentages of the most common clinical signs: 81.6% of those infected have a cough, 80.3% have a fever, often high, and 74.5% experience fatigue and malaise. It has also been detected that 72.8% suffer from nasal congestion, while 60.1% have a sore throat, and a smaller, although significant, percentage show headache and muscle aches.
These data not only confirm the typical symptoms of an influenza-like illness, but also reflect the forcefulness with which variant K can affect those who contract it, especially in the early stages of the epidemic.
More contagious, but not more serious
Specialists insist that the fact that this variant is more transmissible does not mean that it is more serious in terms of virulence. However, the worse transmission means that more people become infected in less time, which can overwhelm health services and increase the total number of patients requiring care.
In this regard, March explains that current vaccines, although less effective against this subvariant, continue to play a central role in the prevention of complications. The expert points out that “vaccines are not as effective” against the K variant, although this is interpreted in relation to the lower protection they provide against this specific subvariant, not a total ineffectiveness.
Public health measures in the face of the expansion
In view of the increase in cases, the authorities have declared a “heightened alert, prioritizing prevention”, which implies that both vaccination protocols and general hygiene measures will be reinforced. Among these recommendations are frequent hand washing, ventilation of enclosed spaces, avoidance of crowded places when there are active outbreaks and the use of masks in the presence of respiratory symptoms.
The health authorities also insist on accelerating influenza vaccination, especially in the most vulnerable groups, such as people over 65 years of age (a group that already exceeds 56% coverage at the national level), patients with chronic pathologies, health professionals and essential personnel.
Although the efficacy of vaccines against this variant may be lower, March stresses that “it remains the most effective tool to prevent complications,” which reinforces the call for vaccination as the first line of defense against more severe impacts of the epidemic .
Impact on healthcare
The advance of influenza activity and the predominant circulation of variant K has had an immediate impact on health services. The increase in the number of influenza cases recorded in primary care has led some autonomous communities, such as the Balearic Islands, to exceed the usual epidemic threshold earlier than expected for this time of year.
This places additional pressure on a health system already strained by the attention to other respiratory infections and the usual demand for services in the middle of the winter season. Professionals insist that the temporary saturation of emergency and consultation rooms can be mitigated, in part, with preventive measures and a rational use of resources.
Personal and collective prevention
In addition to vaccination, experts recommend basic hygiene and behavioral measures to reduce transmission: strengthening the immune system with adequate nutrition, rest and exercise, avoiding contact with sick people, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent hand washing, and staying at home if symptoms occur. These actions, combined with the reinforcement of vaccination campaigns, can help to slow the transmission curve and alleviate pressure on health services.
