Here are the flu strains health officials predict could hit hard next season

"Last week the World Health Organization (WHO) announced which strains it recommends that vaccine makers produce shots for in order to fend off the virus in the coming year. The WHO recommended making shots tailored to combating the influenza A subtype H1N1, which is also known as swine flu, H3N2, another subtype of the influenza A virus, and the B/Victoria lineage, which is a type of influenza B virus."

"This flu season, a period that typically begins in October and lasts through the following spring, has been particularly harsh. So far, in the U.S. alone, the virus has caused at least 25 million illnesses and 20,000 deaths, including the deaths of 79 children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

"Part of why this season has been so severe has been the emergence of a new variant of the virus known as subclade K, which seems to be able to dodge some of the current flu vaccine's protective effect—although the shot may still offer some defenses, experts say."

The World Health Organization has announced vaccine strain recommendations for the upcoming flu season, targeting H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria lineage influenza viruses. Simultaneously, researchers are preparing candidate vaccines for H9N2 bird flu as a precautionary measure. The current flu season has been particularly severe in the United States, causing at least 25 million illnesses and 20,000 deaths, including 79 children. A new virus variant called subclade K has emerged, capable of partially evading current vaccine protection. Additionally, bird flu viruses have infected at least 25 people across six countries since September, primarily through exposure to infected animals or contaminated environments.

Read at www.scientificamerican.com