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CHP is monitoring the variant of seasonal H3N2 virus
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     In response to media enquiries on an overseas media report concerning the detection of variant of seasonal H3N2, a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today (July 29) said the H3N2 viruses recently isolated by CHP¡¦s Public Health Laboratory Centre showed similar genetic changes with the reported variant.

     "Such antigenic drift is common and expected for influenza viruses," the spokesman said.

     Although overseas countries including Canada reported that the variant of seasonal H3N2 virus showed reduced response to antibodies generated by the current vaccine recommended by World Health Organisation for Northern Hemisphere, the spokesman said seasonal flu vaccination would still offer some protection.

     "People at risk of influenza-related complications are recommended to receive the vaccine before the arrival of the peak of seasonal flu.
  
     "The H3 variant is now circulating in Hong Kong and there is no evidence showing that the variant is more severe and resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
 
     "No flu vaccine with the variant virus component has been manufactured in the world," he said.

    The spokesman noted that CHP would closely liaise with overseas health authorities to monitor the latest development.  

Ends/Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:36

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