What is the H3N2 flu strainand how severe is it? Symptoms and recommendation as UK circumstances surge | EUROtoday

It’s that point of yr when coughs and colds are rampant and everybody seems to be getting in poor health.

But well being consultants have warned that this winter might be one of many worst but – with essentially the most extreme flu outbreak in many years already wreaking havoc on the NHS.

The new H3N2 pressure has been labelled as “unpleasant” by well being bosses, who’ve warned the NHS might face a “tidal wave” of sickness forward of Christmas.

Hospital admissions for flu are already up 56 per cent compared with the identical week final yr, with consultants warning the height of the season is but to come back. Health bosses have instructed Britons to put on a face masks exterior in the event that they really feel unwell and inspired these eligible to get their vaccination.

With circumstances on the rise, The Independent spoke to Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and medical adviser for Prescription Doctor, about how apprehensive we ought to be over H3N2 and easy methods to stop it.

What is the H3N2 pressure?

H3N2 is a pressure of the influenza virus that’s recognised as certainly one of two extensively circulating strains. Also generally known as subclade Ok, it’s at the moment essentially the most dominant pressure in England, in keeping with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Dr Aragona defined that the letters and numbers discuss with the virus’s floor proteins, haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).

He mentioned this specific mixture can generally trigger extra extreme sickness, particularly in older folks or these with underlying well being circumstances.

“H3N2 changes regularly, so the version of the virus circulating this year may be different from previous years or from the one in the seasonal vaccine, which can make people more susceptible,” he added.

What are the signs?

Flu indicators and signs develop very quickly and excessive tiredness is frequent, which differs from the signs of colds that happen extra regularly, in keeping with the UKHSA.

The signs and severity of H3N2 sickness have been much like seasonal flu, together with fever, cough, runny nostril, and presumably different signs, similar to physique aches, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

People who’re thought-about at excessive danger for creating flu-related problems embody: youngsters lower than 5 years of age (particularly youngsters lower than two years of age), adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant ladies, and folks with sure persistent medical circumstances like bronchial asthma, diabetes, coronary heart illness, weakened immune techniques, and neurological circumstances.

How excessive are the flu charges in the intervening time?

Every day final week 1,717 sufferers have been admitted to hospitals in England with the an infection, up 56 per cent on the identical week final yr, in keeping with NHS England.

The charges are seven instances as excessive as in 2023, when there was a median of 243 flu sufferers a day.

It additionally follows the largest flu season in Australia’s historical past, which is commonly seen as an correct predictor of what the UK can count on.

Why is H3N2 so unhealthy this winter?

Dr Aragona mentioned there are just a few totally different explanation why flu is anticipated to be notably unhealthy this winter.

Firstly, he defined that the flu season has began sooner than common, which provides the virus extra time to unfold.

He added it has additionally “evolved” from the pressure final yr, which means earlier immunity and even the vaccine could supply much less safety than common.

“Fewer people have been exposed to flu in recent years, especially children, which leaves more people vulnerable,” he mentioned. “On top of that, colder weather, indoor mixing, and social habits all contribute to faster transmission, creating the perfect storm for higher flu rates.”

Experts beforehand warned that the pressure developed seven new mutations over the summer time, which means it’s fairly totally different from the earlier pressure included on this yr’s vaccine.

The UK is braced for a spate of flu deaths this winter, with NHS leaders issuing a “flu jab SOS” urging folks to get protected.

Last winter, there have been round 8,000 deaths related to flu, in keeping with the UKHSA. This determine is greater than the roughly 3,500 deaths recorded the yr earlier than, however decrease than through the 2022 to 2023 season, when there have been round 16,000 deaths.

How are you able to stop your self from getting the flu?

Dr Aragona mentioned the “most effective” option to shield your self from H3N2 is to get the flu vaccine – particularly if you’re in a “higher-risk group” similar to over 65, pregnant, very younger, or dwelling with a long-term well being situation.

“The vaccine may not prevent every infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation,” he mentioned.

Dr Aragona added that safety may be improved by sustaining good hand hygiene, overlaying your mouth and nostril when coughing or sneezing, avoiding shut contact with in poor health folks, and retaining your own home well-ventilated.

New knowledge printed by the UKHSA this week reveals the 2025-2026 vaccine is at the moment 70 to 75 per cent efficient at stopping hospital attendance in youngsters aged two to 17 years, and 30 to 40 per cent efficient in adults.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, marketing consultant epidemiologist for immunisation at UKHSA, mentioned the outcomes present “reassuring evidence” that the season’s flu vaccines can supply necessary safety regardless of issues concerning the new subclade.

He “strongly encouraged” everybody eligible to take up their flu vaccine “as soon as possible”, calling it the “best defence” towards severe sickness.

Dr Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer, mentioned: “Flu can be an unpleasant infection for many and life-threatening for some; vaccination is the best form of defence.

“Early data from the UKHSA shows this year’s vaccine is continuing to provide good protection against flu variants circulating this year. The flu season has started early this year. Now is the time to get vaccinated if you are eligible.”

Last yr’s flu vaccine had a big influence on decreasing extreme sickness, starting from an virtually 40 per cent discount within the variety of these aged 65 and over being hospitalised, and a 75 per cent discount in these aged between 2 and 17 years.

How apprehensive ought to we actually be about H3N2?

Dr Aragona mentioned whereas flu may be “unpleasant” for many wholesome adults and kids, he warned towards panic as it’s normally “manageable”.

“However, for older people, those with chronic illnesses, and other vulnerable groups, H3N2 can be serious, and this season may place extra pressure on the health service due to the early start and the strain’s characteristics,” he mentioned.

“The important thing is to be vigilant: get vaccinated, take sensible precautions, and seek help early if symptoms become severe. With these steps, the risk can be managed effectively, even in a year when flu is circulating more widely.”