Health Minister Ximena Aguilera presented to the Chamber of Deputies measures to tackle the H3N2 influenza threat, dubbed supergripe, after cases were confirmed in Peru. The government plans to advance the vaccination campaign to safeguard vulnerable groups and prevent overloads in the health system. Officials emphasize preparation drawing from past experiences like Covid-19.
The H3N2 influenza has seized the attention of Chile's Health Ministry, prompting swift actions amid rising cases in the northern hemisphere. On Tuesday, Minister Ximena Aguilera appeared before the Chamber of Deputies' Health Commission to outline the preventive plan. "Chile is preparing right away with all available tools. We have learned from previous experiences and are acting in an anticipatory and coordinated manner to protect the health of the population, especially the most vulnerable groups," Aguilera stated.
The main concern is the potential strain on health systems, akin to patterns seen in Europe, where this variant triggers early outbreaks that are severe, especially for older adults. Aguilera noted: "The key about this subclade is that it is often associated with an early outbreak, of a magnitude affecting health systems in Europe and potentially particularly grave for older people." Experts like María Teresa Valenzuela, director of the Health Observatory at IPSUSS of Universidad San Sebastián, share worries about overloads in primary care, emergency services, and hospitalizations but trust the public and private systems' readiness to lessen impacts.
Key measures include the influenza vaccination campaign, whose formula specifically guards against this strain. President Gabriel Boric raised the issue in his meeting with the president-elect, confirming vaccinations will begin no later than March 1, aiming for late February if vaccines are released earlier. Plans are also being adjusted to manage seasonal overloads, featuring preventive health alerts and resource mobilization, carrying over to the incoming government in 2026 with suggestions like mask use in emergency services.
Regardless of this variant, authorities are sticking to advancing winter school vacations from June 22 to July 3 across most of the country, including the Metropolitan Region, to cut crowds during peak viral circulation. Aguilera downplayed panic, stating it should not spark greater alarm than a typical flu, bolstered by national epidemiological surveillance and experience.
