The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a global alert following the increase in cases of influenza K, an infection caused by the influenza A (H3N2) virus, in the Northern Hemisphere. In an interview with CNN Brazilinfectious disease specialist Rosana Ritchmann explained that the symptoms of flu K are similar to those of other influenza-type flus.
“The symptoms you will have will be the same as other flus that you have probably already had. In other words, it starts with fever, high fever, body aches, the classic flu symptoms”, explained Ritchmann.
An important point highlighted by the specialist is the virus transmission period. “The problem is that often, a day before you have symptoms, you are already transmitting them,” he warned. This characteristic makes it difficult to control the spread, as people can infect others without knowing they are infected.
Recommendations for those with symptoms
The infectious disease specialist emphasized the importance of preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. “But you started with the symptoms, regardless of whether it’s flu K or flu A, the important thing is: don’t infect other people. So, don’t go out to work, for example”, he advised.
According to Ritchmann, seeking medical attention is essential: “If possible, see a doctor, because in terms of treatment it doesn’t change anything [em relação à gripe comum]”. She also highlighted that the drug Zeltamivir (trade name Tamiflu), an antiviral used to treat influenza, continues to be effective against influenza K, as observed in the Northern Hemisphere.
For an accurate diagnosis, the specialist recommends carrying out tests, although clinically it is not possible to differentiate flu K from other types of influenza just by symptoms. “The ideal would be to carry out tests and the most important thing is to carry out surveillance to find out if, for example, we are in São Paulo, has this virus entered here in São Paulo?”, he explained.
Ritchmann concluded by highlighting the importance of long-term prevention: “And the most important thing we have to prepare for is, without a doubt, doing our homework, which is vaccination in 2026.”
