Mutant 'superflu' in UK: What is it and how serious it can get

With Christmas around the corner, the UK is being hit by the spread of a ‘superflu’, which is yet to reach its peak in the country. As per latest data from NHS England, the number of flu patients admitted to hospital is up 50% on the same period last year, and 10 times higher than in 2023. Here’s all you need to know about the superflu.


What is the ‘superflu’
The superflu isn’t new and has been discovered since 1968, however, the cases recorded in the UK this year are particularly high. Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate globally and year-round. Seasonal influenza activity has increased globally in recent months, with an increased proportion of seasonal influenza A(H3N2) viruses being detected, as per WHO.

According to Timeout Worldwide, the mutant superflu is “not any more dangerous than a regular flu, though fast spread means that vulnerable people are more likely to catch it and the small percentage of severe cases increases.


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How fast is the flu spreading
According to NHS England, an average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week. The number of cases have been increasing since December 7. Added that the “peak” is not in sight yet. According to a report published in Timeout Worldwide, every 100 people infected with seasonal flu would typically pass the virus on to 120 others.

Typical symptoms as per NHS include a sudden high body temperature, body ache, tiredness and exhaustion, dry cough, sore throat, a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or stomach pain.

How serious can the ‘superflu’ get
As per reports, the superflu can be particularly dangerous for children. As per a report in The Independent, health experts believe parents should not delay getting their children checked by a doctor if they become unwell with flu symptoms. Senior paediatric doctors have issued a stark warning about the risks of the new “super flu” to children. “The flu can make children feel very poorly and lead to serious complications.”


Health experts have already warned that this winter could be one of the worst yet for flu, with the most severe outbreak in decades already wreaking havoc on the NHS.
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