What you need to know about ‘mutant’ H3N2 virus driving flu wave – Manchester Evening News
H3N2 is a strain of the influenza virus that currently makes up the majority of cases in the UK
A ‘drifted’ influenza virus is the dominant flu strain circulating in the UK(Image: Getty Images/Science Photo Library RF)
Everything you need to know about the UK’s flu wave
- A mutated flu strain called H3N2 – or subclade K – is driving an unusually early UK flu season. the variant has become dominant and it thought to be more contagious than earlier versions of the virus.
- The strain has drifted away from the version used in this year’s flu jab, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says the vaccine still provides important protection, urging all those eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
- Flu cases are rising sharply, with hospital admissions nearly doubling in a week and the NHS recording record-high flu hospitalisations for this point in the year.
- Flu symptoms appear suddenly and include high fever, body aches and fatigue, among others. The flu jab is offered to those most at risk of complications, including over-65s, pregnant people, and those with long-term health conditions like asthema, heart disease or diabetes.
- READ THE FULL STORY: H3N2 explained: The ‘mutant’ flu strain driving unprecedented flu season in UK
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