A novel strain of influenza is spreading in the UK, causing more severe illness even among healthy individuals. Medical professionals have raised concerns about H3N2 being potentially fatal due to its aggressive mutation. While vaccines still provide substantial protection and can mitigate severe symptoms, their efficacy has slightly decreased compared to previous years.
Symptoms of H3N2 are akin to those of other flu strains but with some distinct differences. While most people may only suffer from a mild illness, there is a heightened risk of serious complications such as sepsis with this specific strain. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has cautioned that this new strain can be fatal for healthy children in extremely rare cases.
Dr. Helen Stewart, an emergency care physician and RCPCH health improvement officer, emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that flu can be life-threatening, especially for children. The predominant complications seen are pneumonia, which can escalate to severe chest infections requiring respiratory support and, in extreme scenarios, progress to sepsis.
Countries like Australia and Japan have experienced significant impacts from H3N2 as it has evolved to evade immunity from previous vaccinations. Japan has witnessed widespread closures of schools due to epidemic levels of H3N2 infections, leading to thousands being hospitalized.
Common symptoms of all flu strains include sudden onset fever, but H3N2 is distinguished by more intense fevers with temperatures often exceeding 38°C. Additionally, H3N2 infections are frequently associated with severe body aches and prolonged fatigue compared to other strains.
Risk of severe outcomes and hospitalizations is higher with H3N2, particularly in older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions. Health authorities in the UK have issued early warnings about flu season, expressing concerns over insufficient uptake of the free NHS flu vaccine among eligible individuals.
Flu vaccines are accessible for individuals aged 65 and above, those under 65 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and workers, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, frontline social care workers, healthcare personnel, and children.
For eligible adults, booking a flu vaccine appointment is simple via local pharmacies using the NHS App, GP practices, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, or by calling 119. A pharmacy finder tool is also available to locate nearby walk-in vaccination services.