An epidemic surge of influenza A(H3N2) virus at the end of the 2016 –2017 season in Taiwan with an increased viral genetic heterogeneity

Influenza is an annually occurring infectious disease. During seasonal epidemics, typically, 5 –15% of the worldwide population is infected, resulting in 3–5 million cases of severe illness and between 250,000–500,000 deaths every year around the world [1]. Currently, the influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses are responsible for seasonal epidemics in humans [2,3]. Among the three, the A(H3N2) viruses cause more severe illness and have a higher genetic mutation rate [4]. The A(H3N2) virus also affects the elderly, with increased hospitalization and case fatality rates reported in patients aged 65 years or older [5].
Source: Journal of Clinical Virology - Category: Virology Authors: Source Type: research