NHS on brink as mutant superflu strain could cause ‘worst outbreak in a decade’ | UK | News

Experts have warned of symptoms to look out for as super flu spreads across the UK, dragging thousands of people into hospital beds. Experts said in December it could be the “worst epidemic in a decade” after the strain mutated several times over the summer. These mutations appear to be what allows this strain, known as the K-strain or H3N2, to spread so quickly.

The spread of this flu is putting the NHS under serious pressure. Last week it was reported that more than 2,900 hospital beds were filled by flu patients. Experts recommend Brits get flu vaccine if they haven’t already He did this to prevent serious illnesses caused by infection.

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), said: “Influenza and RSV among older age groups remain stubbornly stable for now, and there is no sign of a decline in the numbers of older adults requiring urgent care for respiratory diseases.

“We know flu is unpredictable, and flu season may be several months away.”

Surveillance data shows flu hospital admissions are up nearly 10% from last week.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Dr. Head of the Department of Primary Care and Public Health at Imperial College London. Azeem Majeed urged people to consider wearing masks when outside.

He said: “Wearing a mask can reduce the transmission of infection in certain situations. High-quality masks are effective in limiting the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor or healthcare settings. For clinically vulnerable people or their caregivers, mask use can provide an additional layer of protection during periods of peak flu activity.”

He added: “Masks are most effective when used in conjunction with other measures such as vaccination, good ventilation, staying at home when sick and hand hygiene. We are unlikely to see the return of mask mandates across the population, but the targeted, judicious use of masks during peak seasons for respiratory viruses remains a reasonable and proportionate option for trying to limit the spread of flu.”

Health experts have revealed ten symptoms people may experience if they contract the K-strain. These:

• sudden high temperature
• Loss of appetite
• dry cough
• Sore throat
• difficulty sleeping
• Headache
• Diarrhea or stomach pain
• feeling tired and exhausted
• Vomiting or feeling like you need to vomit
• body aches

Like many types of flu, the best treatments include over-the-counter pain relievers, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting plenty of rest.