A ‘drifted’ flu variant, known as A(H3N2) – or subclade K – has is driving a ‘flu-demic’ in the UK
Flu cases are rising in England(Image: iStockphoto/Getty)
A ‘superflu’ is driving an unusually early and intense flu season across the UK, with NHS chiefs urging the public to ‘wear a mask’ if they have symptoms.
While not an official name for a virus, the so-called ‘superflu’ refers to the infection leaving record numbers of people in hospital. Health officials have warned that a ‘drifted’ flu variant, known as A(H3N2) – or subclade K – has rapidly become the dominant influenza strain across the country.
The H3N2 subtype is one of three main viruses that cause seasonal flu. Experts warn this strain has mutated in a way that makes it both more severe and more contagious – and that it no longer closely resembles the version used in this year’s flu jab. However, data shows the vaccine continues to offer protection against the virus – and the NHS has issued an urgent vaccination plea.
Dr. Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite this, we know that surging flu cases, coinciding with industrial action by resident doctors, will put pressure on services in the coming weeks.
“While we’ve vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season, there are still vulnerable people who haven’t come forward. If you’re in one of the eligible groups and you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible – it’s never too late.”
Officials are urging those eligible to get the flu jab(Image: PA)
Flu jabs are available to anyone 65 and over, or those under 65 deemed at clinical risk. Care home residents, carers, pregnant women, close contacts of people who are immunosuppressed, frontline health workers and children can also get the vaccine.
Latest figures show an average of 1,717 patients were in a hospital bed every day last week because of flu – the highest on record for this time of year. Cases were 10 times higher than in the same week in 2023 (160), and more than 50 per cent higher than last year (1,098).
Symptoms of flu
Flu can come on very quickly with symptoms such as:
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
As flu spreads easily and can live on surfaces for 24 hours, frequent hand washing and coughing or sneezing into tissues which are immediately thrown in the bin can help.
An NHS leader says anyone with cold or flu symptoms ‘must wear a mask’ on public transport(Image: Getty Images)
Health chiefs have also urged people to with symptoms to wear a face covering. NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles said that if people are coughing and sneezing, but are well enough to go to into work, they should consider wearing masks in public spaces or on public transport to help stop the spread of the virus.
The NHS suggests rest, keeping warm, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever, aches and pains. Pharmacists can also advise on remedies.
The health service stresses that people should call NHS 111 or seen an urgent GP appointment if they are over 65, pregnant, worried about their child’s symptoms, have long-term medical conditions, have a weakened immune system or if symptoms do not improve after seven days.
