H3N2 News and Research

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Influenza A virus subtype H3N2 (also H3N2) is a subtype of viruses that cause influenza (flu). H3N2 viruses can infect birds and mammals. In birds, humans, and pigs, the virus has mutated into many strains. H3N2 is increasingly abundant in seasonal influenza, which kills an estimated 36,000 people in the United States each year.

Monoclonal antibody protects mice from lethal influenza A doses

Scientists have engineered a monoclonal antibody that can protect mice from a lethal dose of influenza A, a new study shows.

8 May 2025

New approach to combat influenza and herpes with bean-based gum

In today's interconnected world, infectious diseases pose an escalating threat, as demonstrated by the coronavirus pandemic and outbreaks of H1N1, SARS, Ebola, Zika, and H5N1 (bird flu) viruses-all of which have had significant global health and economic impacts.

4 Apr 2025

Older adults may have stronger immunity to bird flu, Penn study finds

Prior exposures to specific types of seasonal influenza viruses promote cross-reactive immunity against the H5N1 avian influenza virus, according to new research from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

13 Mar 2025

Updates on influenza vaccine strain recommended by WHO (2025-2026 northern hemisphere)

To maintain vaccine efficacy, WHO regularly updates influenza vaccine strains based on global epidemiological, virological, and serological analyses.

From Sino Biological Inc. 12 Mar 2025

Influenza A virus changes shape to evade immune responses

Influenza A virus particles strategically adapt their shape-to become either spheres or larger filaments-to favor their ability to infect cells depending on environmental conditions, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists.

10 Feb 2025

New molecule shows promise in protecting mice from influenza

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, in collaboration with colleagues in China, have discovered an antibody-like molecule that can protect mice from various influenza viruses.

9 Jan 2025

A scaffolded vaccine approach for broader influenza protection

Most people who get the seasonal influenza vaccine – which contains strains of viruses from distinct virus subtypes – mount a strong immune response to one strain, leaving them vulnerable to infection by the others, and researchers have long wondered what impacts such variable responses more – host genetics or prior exposure to virus strains.

19 Dec 2024

Seasonal influenza adapted and evolved during the COVID-19 pandemic

Although travel restrictions and social measures during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic global drop in seasonal influenza cases, certain influenza lineages in specific regions kept the virus circulating and evolving, according to a new study.

7 Nov 2024

US study uncovers antiviral resistance in swine-origin influenza, urging enhanced pandemic surveillance

Researchers in the US analyzed swine-origin influenza viruses, identifying key mutations that could reduce antiviral drug effectiveness and threaten pandemic preparedness.

9 Oct 2024

Study reveals high effectiveness of flu vaccines in children but highlights challenges with certain subtypes

Study found that influenza vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection and hospitalization in children, though efficacy against certain subtypes like H3N2 remains limited due to small sample sizes.

6 Oct 2024

Study confirms flu vaccine effectiveness against A H1N1 in young children

A study published on Eurosurveillance has demonstrated that Spain's influenza vaccination campaign for children aged 6-59 months during the 2023/24 season was effective in preventing acute respiratory infections (ARI) and hospitalization, as vaccination was recommended for this age group at the national level for the first time.

4 Oct 2024

WHO announces recommended viral composition for 2025 influenza vaccines

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the recommendations for the viral composition of influenza vaccines for the 2025 influenza season in the southern hemisphere.

27 Sep 2024

Review highlights failures in global control strategies for bird flu transmission

A review of sustained mammal-to-mammal bird flu transmission in diverse species, led by The Pirbright Institute, shows global control strategies are not working.

24 Sep 2024

Octavalent intranasal flu vaccine proves effective in neutralizing both existing and emerging strains

A new octavalent intranasal vaccine shows promising results in providing broad immunity against both seasonal and pre-pandemic influenza strains by eliciting strong mucosal and systemic immune responses in ferrets.

25 Aug 2024

Universal flu vaccine candidate provides protection against severe infection in animal models

Annual flu vaccines protect against severe infection, but they vary in efficacy and may not match the most virulent strains of the season.

23 Aug 2024

New study warns of potential pandemic risk from α-H1N2 swine flu virus

The α-H1N2 influenza virus in swine poses a higher pandemic risk due to its ability to evade human immunity and transmit between species, highlighting the need for vigilant monitoring.

23 Jun 2024

Low-cost CRISPR-based paper strip test offers rapid influenza diagnosis

Fewer than one percent of people who get the flu every year get tested, in part because most tests require trained personnel and expensive equipment.

21 Jun 2024

New drug-like molecules show promise in preventing influenza by blocking virus entry

Currently available flu medications only target the virus after it has already established an infection, but what if a drug could prevent infection in the first place?

21 May 2024

Hunting dogs in Washington show antibodies to H5N1 bird flu virus, study finds

Study found antibodies to H5 and N1 subtype influenza A viruses in 2% of hunting dogs in Washington, suggesting potential transmission from waterfowl to dogs.

16 May 2024

Seasonal influenza triggers significant school closures, especially in southern states, study finds

Study examined closures of United States (US) schools due to 11 influenza seasons between 2011 and 2022.

18 Apr 2024