Influenza A(H3) predominant strain in European sporadic influenza detections

Only four confirmed influenza cases have been notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) this winter to date.

One death occurred in a notified influenza case reported to HPSC during the week beginning 8 November 2021, according to the latest weekly influenza surveillance report. No deaths in notified influenza cases occurred during week 15 to 21 November.

Two of the confirmed cases have been influenza A(H3), one was influenza A unsubtyped and one influenza B.

The report highlighted that a number of possible influenza cases in children recently vaccinated with Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) had been notified and were undergoing further investigation.

“Influenza RNA can be detected in PCR tests in children within 14 days of receipt of Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV). These LAIV vaccine virus detections are not notified as confirmed influenza cases,” stated the latest weekly report.

In Europe, sporadic influenza detections at a low level had been reported in recent weeks, predominately influenza A(H3).