CDC Says "Mutant" Flu Strains Have Been Detected in U.S.—And Drugs May Not Help
After dealing with the COVID pandemic, you might not find yourself too worried about the flu—especially given that we've been battling influenza viruses for decades now through flu shots and prescription antiviral drugs. But new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) might be cause for concern, as the agency says "mutant" flu strains that may bypass those drugs have now been detected in the U.S.
RELATED: Mpox Cases Have Been Surging Again, CDC Says—These Are the Symptoms.
Back in March, Hong Kong scientists published a study in The Lancet journal detailing lab experiments on new H1N1 flu viruses with two concerning mutations: I223V or S247N. According to the study, these mutations appear to increase H1N1's resistance to oseltamivir, an antiviral commonly sold under the brand name Tamiflu.
These mutations first appeared in May 2023 with a case in the Canadian province of British Columbia, CBS News reported. And the rise of flu strains with one or both of these mutations continued to increase globally last fall, according to the Hong Kong study.
But now, a new analysis from the CDC, which was published June 12 in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, is confirming that these "dual mutant" flu strains have been detected within the U.S.
The agency's report indicates that at least two cases were confirmed in the country at the end of last year—one in Connecticut during October and the other in Michigan during December. Researchers said the "overall detection frequency" of these dual mutant strains is low, but the potential for it to increase in the future is still there.
"It is unknown how widely these mutated viruses will circulate in the upcoming season," a CDC spokesperson told CBS News. "It is important to continue monitoring the spread of these viruses and the evolution of these viruses."
RELATED: New "Highly Contagious" Skin Infection Is Spreading, CDC Warns—How to Stay Safe.
As CBS News further explains, it is not certain how much these two mutations could diminish the real-world effectiveness of oseltamivir drugs. The Hong Kong scientists determined that the mutated viruses were up to 16 times less sensitive to this antiviral, but their research was only conducted in laboratory test settings.
The CDC's new report also indicates that other approved influenza antiviral drugs were still effective against the dual mutant strains.
"These mutated viruses retained sensitivity to other anti-influenza medications, including a newer one, baloxavir marboxil," the CDC spokesperson told CBS News. "There are no immediate implications to change decisions for clinical care."
Best Life offers the most up-to-date information from top experts, new research, and health agencies, but our content is not meant to be a substitute for professional guidance. When it comes to the medication you're taking or any other health questions you have, always consult your healthcare provider directly.
Kali Coleman Kali Coleman is a Senior Editor at Best Life. Her primary focus is covering news, where she often keeps readers informed on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and up-to-date on the latest retail closures.Read moreFiled UnderCold and Flu • Health Advice • NewsSources referenced in this article- Source: The Lancet: Global emergence of neuraminidase inhibitor-resistant influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses with I223V and S247N mutations: implications for antiviral resistance monitoring
- Source: CDC: Multicountry Spread of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Viruses with Reduced Oseltamivir Inhibition
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