CDC Health Advisory Regarding the Potential for Circulation of Drifted Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses

Influenza viral characterization data indicates that 48% of the influenza A (H3N2) viruses collected and analyzed by CDC were antigenically "like" the 2014-2015 influenza A (H3N2) vaccine component, but that 52% were antigenically different (drifted) from the H3N2 vaccine virus. Because of the detection of these drifted influenza A (H3N2) viruses, the CDC has issued a Health Advisory to re-emphasize the importance of the use of neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medications when indicated for treatment and prevention of influenza, as an adjunct to vaccination.
Source: PHPartners.org - Category: Global & Universal Source Type: news