Experts are talking about one of the worst winters in recent decades, as the new H3N2 strain of A has already caused great pressure on Great Britain’s national health system (NHS).
According to The Independent, admissions to UK hospitals due to flu are already up 56% compared to the same week last year, with experts stressing that the peak of the season has yet to be reached.
Shocks have also been reported in Spain and France.
What is the H3N2 strain?
H3N2 is a strain of the flu virus, one of two that are widely circulating. It is and is currently the most prevalent strain in England, according to the UK Health Safety Authority (UKHSA).
This particular “cocktail” can sometimes cause more severe illness, especially in the elderly or people with underlying diseases.
What are the symptoms?
Flu symptoms appear very quickly, with intense fatigue differentiating it from the common cold, whose symptoms develop more gradually.
Symptoms of H3N2 disease are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, runny nose, and possibly myalgias, vomiting, or diarrhea.
People at high risk for complications are considered:
- children under 5 (especially under 2),
- adults over 65,
- pregnant women,
- people with chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, immunosuppression or neurological problems.
Experts stress that if someone develops flu symptoms after contact with pigs, they should contact a doctor immediately and report both the symptoms and the contact.
How high are flu rates right now?
Last week, 1,717 patients were admitted to hospital in England every day with flu, a 56% increase on last year.
The cases are seven times higher than in 2023, when the average was 243 patients per day.
The situation follows the longest flu season in Australia’s history, which is often a harbinger of what will happen in the UK.
Why such a big outbreak of H3N2 this year?
Health scientists say there are several reasons:
- The flu started earlier this year, giving the virus more time to spread.
- The strain has “evolved” from last year, which reduces the protection offered by previous immunity or even the vaccine.
- Fewer people were exposed to the flu in previous years — mostly children — leaving more vulnerable.
- Cold weather, indoor gathering and social habits facilitate transmission.
Experts had already warned that the strain developed seven new mutations over the summer, making it quite different from the one included in this year’s vaccine.
The UK is expecting a rise in flu deaths, with NHS chiefs making an urgent appeal for vaccination.
Last year there were about 8,000 flu-related deaths, more than the previous year’s 3,500 but fewer than the roughly 16,000 in 2022–2023.
How can you protect yourself?
According to experts, the most effective way to protect against the H3N2 strain is vaccination – particularly for those in high-risk groups such as the over 65s, pregnant women, very young children or people with chronic health conditions.
“The vaccine may not prevent all infections, but it significantly reduces the risk of serious illness and hospitalization,” the doctors point out.
