What Is the ‘Super Flu’ Spreading Across the UK? How to Protect Yourself From the Deadly H3N2 Strain

Times Now

Flu has arrived early this winter, and health experts are predicting an extremely nasty season as a mutated version of the virus that causes it has been spreading across the UK – being called `Super flu’.

The National Health Service has already sent out a "flu jab SOS" encouraging vulnerable people – children and the elderly to get their free vaccination as a measure of protection. According to doctors, the H3N2 strain of flu could cause a tidal wave of illness weeks ahead of Christmas. “Flu activity increased again this week, including both hospital admission rates and the rate of positive tests. With just two weeks to go, time is running out to be protected in time for the festive period,” the NHS said. Those who qualify for the flu vaccine are those at higher risk of serious complications from the flu. This includes everyone over 65, pregnant women, and those with certain long-term health conditions.

Hospital admissions rising

According to this week’s data, hospital admissions are already up 56 per cent when compared with the same week last year, with experts warning the peak of the season is yet to come. Health bosses have told Britons to wear a face mask outside if they feel unwell. An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu, the highest ever for this time of year. The UK Health Security Agency data show that the infection rate is highest among children aged between five and 14, closely followed by those aged 15 to 24. “There is still plenty of flu vaccine available to protect those who need it – what's running out is time to be protected ahead of Christmas. While new hospital admission rates for flu are not rising as sharply as last week, admissions are still increasing, and GP attendances are rising as we continue to see the impacts of an unusually early season,” Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, told Surrey LIVE.

What is super flu?

The infectious form of flu spreading has been nicknamed “super flu” because it is thought to be a mutated version of the influenza A or H3N2 strain, which is dubbed as subclade K. Doctors say that since most people have not encountered much of it in recent years, there is less built-up immunity against it in the community.

What is the difference between H3N2 and the common cold?

The flu and the common cold can have similar symptoms, which include a runny nose and cough. But cold symptoms are usually mild, and flu can be extremely serious or severe and sometimes even life-threatening, leading to serious complications. Different viruses cause colds and the flu.