8 Sep 2017

Australia's killer flu strain

From Afternoons, 1:15 pm on 8 September 2017

Health Authorities in New Zealand are aware of a flu strain that has killed at least 73 people in Australia this year. Australia is in the grip of its worst flu season in over a decade, due to the H3N2 strain of Influenza A, which is fast mutating.

The same strain has infected many people in New Zealand, but the effects have not been as bad. We speak to influenza and immunisation expert, Dr Nikki Turner

Research for flu vaccines cannot keep up with the speed at which new strands, such as H3N2, of the virus develop.

Research for flu vaccines cannot keep up with the speed at which new strands, such as H3N2, of the virus develop. Photo: CORBIS