A temperature of 40 degrees and intensive care: what is known about the new flu outbreak
26 January 13:57
ANALYSIS 
Concerns are growing in Ukraine and Europe over a severe strain of influenza A, which is accompanied by a rapid rise in temperature to 40°C, fainting, and even loss of consciousness. Experts explain that this is not a “new disease,” but a new variant of the well-known influenza A (H3N2), which has undergone significant mutations and can cause more severe clinical forms.
What is happening in Germany
According to preliminary data, the outbreak has been recorded in Bavaria (Germany). Doctors report a sharp increase in cases, including severe conditions requiring hospitalization.
In the public sphere, the virus is identified as influenza A.
The main symptoms of influenza A
According to reports from Ukrainians in Germany and Ukraine, influenza A manifests itself with the following symptoms:
- a rapid rise in body temperature to 39–40°C;
- severe intoxication (weakness, headache, body aches);
- impaired consciousness, fainting, brief loss of consciousness;
- cough, sore throat, shortness of breath;
- in severe cases — complications of the nervous and respiratory systems.
Most often, severe cases are currently recorded in adolescents, but the risk groups remain the same as for influenza: children, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with chronic diseases.
Can influenza A really cause such severe symptoms?
Epidemiologist Natalia Vinograd in an exclusive comment
“Yes, influenza A has these symptoms — and this is not new. Its clinical picture has been described; we are talking about the H3N2 variant. It already has 10 mutations, mainly in hemagglutinin, so there is practically no protection. In addition, a phenomenon of mimicry has arisen, which seriously protects the virus from antibodies.”
Why this variant of influenza is more dangerous
According to her, this is a new variant that scientists have been writing about for a long time:
“This is a new variant that has been written about for a long time. It came from Australia, passed through Asia, and was isolated in China. Previously, there were fewer mutations, but now there are more, and because of this, we are seeing an increase in severe clinical forms and hospitalizations in intensive care.”
Why the virus is spreading so fast
The expert emphasizes that the key factors are the lack of immunity in the population and global migration.
“This variant did not circulate before, so the population is not protected. The planet is small: people travel, cross borders without symptoms, but are already infected — and the disease manifests itself where they have arrived,” the expert noted.
That is why the emergence of cases in different countries is only a matter of time.
“All infections, especially in this era of globalization, are now linked to population migration. And so it is impossible for the virus not to spread, because we cannot stop migration,” Vinograd concluded.
Who is at risk
The risk groups remain generally the same as for previous flu seasons:
- children and adolescents;
- the elderly;
- patients with chronic diseases;
- people with weakened immune systems.
However, due to the characteristics of this variant of influenza A, severe cases are also being reported in relatively healthy people.
What to do if you have symptoms
Doctors advise:
- immediately consult a doctor if your temperature rises above 39°C;
- do not ignore fainting or loss of consciousness;
- avoid self-medication;
- follow basic preventive measures (hygiene, limiting contact if you have symptoms).
