Flu Season Migrates South

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published Influenza Update N° 446, which reported influenza detections decreased further in 2023 due to a decline in detections in the northern hemisphere.

While some countries in the southern hemisphere reported an increase in influenza detections in recent weeks.

Furthermore, in the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere, influenza activity remained low. However, influenza activity increased in Australia, Chile, and Severe acute respiratory illness cases in New Zealand.

As of May 29, 2023, the WHO confirmed in the Caribbean countries, influenza activity increased but remained low, with influenza B/Victoria lineage viruses predominant.

In Central American countries, influenza activity increased slightly, with A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses accounting for just over half the influenza detections in recent weeks.

And in Mexico, influenza activity increased to a moderate level.

In the tropical countries of South America, influenza activity decreased overall during this reporting period, although positivity remained extraordinary in the Plurinational State of Bolivia.

The WHO and the U.S. CDC suggest international travelers speak with a healthcare provider about flu shot options when planning a trip to influenza hot spots.

Additional influenza vaccine news is posted at Precision Vaccinations.