A new strain of influenza has emerged in the

A new strain of influenza has emerged in the Far East, known as Taiwan flu. Recent isolations of influenza in New York, Texas and Hawaii suggest that those cases may be the same strain. Related strains of flu were prevalent before 1947 but have caused fewer outbreaks in recent years in the United States.

Anticipating a widespread outbreak of Taiwan flu, the Committee on Immunization Practices, Public Health Service, recommended the production of a new vaccine which will be available in December. This vaccine should be given to high risk persons who received the trivalent flu vaccine this fall. The new vaccine is known as the monovalent Type A Taiwan (HINI).

It is also recommended that personnel who provide essential emergency services in the community be immunized with the monovalent vaccme, when available. Groups immunized with the trivalent vaccine in health departments are advised to receive the Taiwan flu vaccine in addition to the regular flu vaccine.

Influenza is an acute viral infection of the respiratory tract. ’It is most apt tosoccur during the winter season when respiratory infections are readily transmitted from person to person indoors. However, outbreaks can start at any time.

With repeated exposure to influenza healthy individuals (those who have good resistance) build up an immunity. Some degree of protection is acquired even to minor antigenic shifts in the virus which is spreading in the community. However, most people are susceptible to major changes in the strain of the flu virus.

Illness from influenza can be extremely severe in persons who have:

• chronic respiratory disease such as emphysema or asthma

• heart disease and hardening of the arteries

• kidney disease

• anemia and poor nutrition

• drug dependence such as chronic alcoholism