Seven times mutated influenza virus H3N2 has reached Turkey

Influenza virus "H3N2", which has undergone at least seven mutations, has already been detected in Turkey.

As reported by BAKU.WS, infectious disease doctors warn: this strain poses a particular danger to elderly people and individuals with chronic diseases.

An infectious disease and clinical microbiology specialist Gokce Demir notes that the clinical manifestations of the "H3N2" virus are mainly similar to the symptoms of swine flu.

She emphasizes that this year there has been a significant increase in cases accompanied by joint pain and temperature rising up to 40 degrees. Patients also experience severe headaches and dry cough, which are the main symptoms.

The doctor specifically emphasized that this flu can be most dangerous for people over 65 years old:

"The virus progresses more severely in certain age groups. In people over 65 years old, patients with hypertension and diabetes, as well as those suffering from chronic lung diseases such as asthma, the disease can develop into severe pneumonia. In such cases, serious conditions progressing to respiratory failure may be observed."

Demir reported that the most effective way of protection is flu vaccination, adding that it's not too late to get vaccinated.

She also emphasized the importance of hand hygiene and recommended that people, especially those in risk groups, wear masks on public transport.