Mutated H3N2 flu virus is circulating

The flu arrived early this winter, and experts predict it could be a particularly bad season because a new mutated version of the virus is circulating.

The NHS has sent out a “flu vaccine SOS” encouraging vulnerable people to get vaccinated for free.

So do you need to pay for the vaccine even if you are generally fit and healthy?

The version circulating this winter is H3N2 “subclade K,” a strain of the seasonal influenza A virus. Some call it the “super flu.”

People have not encountered this much in recent years, which means there is less immunity to it in society.

NHS England said there were enough flu patients to fill more than three hospital trusts in the first week of December. There were an average of 2,660 flu patients in the hospital per day; This represented a 55% increase compared to the previous week.

NHS chiefs say the total number has continued to rise since December 7 and there is no peak in sight.

Estimates suggest there could be between 5,000 and 8,000 hospital cases by December 14. The highest number previously recorded in the seven-day period was 5,400.

Flu is also spreading in Scotland The number of confirmed cases increased by a quarter last week. Cases have also increased in Wales and Northern Ireland.

Some hospitals said the increasing number of people seeking treatment for flu and other winter illnesses, combined with wider pressures, was hitting them hard.

Some schools had to return Covid-like measures As rates of illnesses reported in schools and other educational settings increase, handwashing and even covering to prevent the spread of the flu.

NHS offers free flu vaccine to those who need it most, including:

• Anyone aged 65 and over
• those with certain long-term health problems
• pregnant women
• care home residents
• carers for elderly or disabled people or those receiving carer’s allowance
• people living with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

A nasal spray version of the flu vaccine is also offered to children ages 2 to 3 and school-age children (reception up to age 11).

Children can easily catch and spread the flu. Vaccinating them also helps protect people from the flu who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill.

Everyone else needs to buy one.

Even if you’re healthy, you may want to get a flu vaccine this winter.

High street chemists are selling the vaccine for around £20.

It is best to get vaccinated earlier to protect yourself during the winter months.

The vaccine should provide protection throughout the current flu season.

Almost anyone can get vaccinated, but you should not get vaccinated if you have a severe allergy to the vaccine or any of its ingredients.

If you are not sure you should talk to your pharmacist.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) says there is no shortage of vaccines nationally for those who need them most – those who can get the vaccine for free on the NHS.

Nearly 17 million vaccines were delivered this fall; 350,000 more than this time last year.

However, if you are purchasing the flu vaccine specifically, you may need to shop around to find a pharmacy that has adequate stock.

The vaccine works against the flu that’s been around this year, and it usually takes about 14 days to work.

You are still vulnerable to contracting the virus during this period.

Some people mistakenly think the vaccine gives them the flu, but the vaccine does not cause the flu; instead, it gives your body the instructions it needs to fight infection should you contract it.

There’s still a chance you’ll get the flu after getting vaccinated, but it will probably be milder and won’t last as long.

Protection decreases over time, which is why the vaccine is offered every year.

The vaccine is updated frequently to best suit the strain or version of flu that experts expect to be circulating.

There are a lot of coughs and colds out there. So how do you know if you have the flu rather than something else? Your symptoms may give a clue.

cold

• symptoms appear gradually
• mostly affects the nose and throat
• early sign – pressure in your ears
• chestier, mucusy cough

Cold

• comes suddenly
• feeling erased
• fever, muscle aches, fatigue
• I need bed rest
• dry cough

Covid

• typical flu symptoms
• loss of taste or smell
• diarrhea or abdominal discomfort

If you’re meeting people indoors, open a window to get fresh air.

Practice good hygiene:

• Cough into your bent elbow or use a tissue and then throw it in the nearest trash can.
• wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap
• Clean your surroundings frequently, especially frequently touched areas such as door handles

If you’re not feeling well but need to go out, consider wearing a face mask to help protect others.