‘Most lethal’ flu pressure sweeps UK with medical doctors warning it ‘can kill’
The H3N2 strain, originally from Australia, has had its worst flu season on record and this is expected to be the case in Britain as we head into our winter and the virus spreads
Medical professionals are urging people to safeguard themselves and their loved ones against a new flu variant.
Information regarding the H3N2 strain from Australia reveals the country has experienced its most severe flu season on record, with Britain bracing for similar circumstances as we approach winter. Japan has witnessed nationwide school closures as infections reach epidemic levels, with thousands requiring hospitalisation due to H3N2.
British health authorities had already cautioned that flu has emerged a month ahead of schedule, yet concerns persist that insufficient numbers of eligible individuals are accepting the complimentary NHS flu jab. Recent figures indicate that two in five care home residents have yet to receive vaccination, reports the Mirror.
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has cautioned that H3N2 “can kill” and has urged parents to ensure their children receive the flu vaccine nasal spray.
UKHSA projections reveal that flu-related deaths in England reached 7,757 last winter, compared to 3,555 the previous year.
Child fatalities linked to flu also rose from 34 to 53.
What is H3N2?
Both Australia and Japan have suffered significantly from flu because the primary new variant, known as H3N2, has evolved to better evade immunity from earlier vaccines.
This occurs because it has mutated to become exceptionally aggressive. On the surface of the virus particle, there are two protein spikes known as haemagglutinin (depicted in orange in the main image) and neuraminidase (shown in green).
Haemagglutinin is involved in the attachment of the virus to human respiratory cells, while neuraminidase aids in releasing newly formed virus particles from an infected cell.
What symptoms should you look out for?
All strains of the flu virus can trigger a sudden onset of the following symptoms:
- Fever/chills.
- A cough (often dry).
- Sore throat.
- Runny or blocked nose.
- Body and muscle aches.
- Headache.
- Fatigue/weakness.
For H3N2, the fever tends to be more severe. Patients often have a higher average body temperature and a greater likelihood of a high fever – above 38°C – compared to strains like H1N1.
How can you distinguish between a cold and the flu?
The primary difference lies in the severity and sudden onset of flu symptoms, which include fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Cold symptoms are generally milder and develop more gradually, with a runny or stuffy nose being more common.
Unlike the flu, colds rarely lead to serious health complications.
How can you prevent catching the flu?
The most effective way to avoid the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine. However, you can also prevent infection by maintaining good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing, avoiding touching your face, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Other preventative measures include cleaning surfaces that are frequently touched and avoiding crowded areas whenever possible.
Who is eligible for the jab?
Flu jabs are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff as well as children.
Covid-19 jabs are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
Eligible adults can book an appointment to get their flu jab now at their local pharmacy via the NHS App, GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or by ringing 119.
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