A new variant of the flu virus is causing a surge in infections across the UK, leading to increased hospitalizations and unique symptoms that health professionals are urging the public to recognize. As of January 4, 2024, the number of patients hospitalized due to flu reached a staggering 2,924 per day. In response to the overwhelming pressure on healthcare resources, four hospital trusts in Surrey and Kent have declared critical incidents.
Surrey Heartlands Trust noted that the high winter pressure on their services has been exacerbated by a rise in both flu and norovirus cases. According to the NHS national medical director, Professor Meghana Pandit, “It’s clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter,” highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by hospitals due to increasing admissions for flu and other respiratory viruses.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the seriousness of flu, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. “Vaccination remains the best protection,” he stated, urging eligible individuals to receive their flu vaccination as soon as possible.
Doctors have identified that the new strain, known as subclade K, is a variant of the A H3N2 subtype of flu. This variant presents distinct symptoms compared to previous strains. Dr. Mark Loafman indicated that patients this year are experiencing higher fevers, lasting up to seven days, which often do not respond to typical treatments such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
In addition to elevated fever, Dr. Juanita Mora reported symptoms that include a persistent cough, significant phlegm production, gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea, and widespread muscle and joint aches. “We are seeing anecdotally more signs of some GI illness for the adults who have the subclade K strain of flu,” Dr. Loafman noted, further illustrating the strain’s varied impact on health.
The NHS warns that flu symptoms often develop rapidly and are typically more severe than those of a common cold. While most recover within a week, the experience can be quite debilitating. Common flu symptoms include sudden onset of fever, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory issues.
For self-care, the NHS recommends rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms. However, individuals should seek medical advice if they experience severe symptoms such as sudden chest pain, significant difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood.
As the flu season progresses, health authorities continue to stress the importance of vaccination and timely medical care to mitigate the impact of this new viral strain on public health.
