NHS bosses want anyone with flu symptoms to wear a mask
A ‘superflu’ is fuelling an exceptionally early and severe flu season throughout the UK, with NHS bosses urging the public to ‘wear a mask’ when experiencing symptoms. While not not an official designation for a virus, the term ‘superflu’ describes the infection that’s putting unprecedented numbers of people into hospital.
Health authorities have cautioned that a ‘drifted’ flu variant, designated as A(H3N2) – or subclade K – has quickly emerged as the dominant influenza strain nationwide. The H3N2 subtype represents one of three primary viruses responsible for seasonal flu.
Experts say this strain has evolved in a manner that renders it both more serious and more transmissible – and that it no longer bears close resemblance to the version used in this year’s flu vaccination. That said, evidence demonstrates the vaccine still provides defence against the virus – and the NHS has issued an urgent immunisation appeal.
Dr Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite this, we know that surging flu cases, coinciding with industrial action by resident doctors, will put pressure on services in the coming weeks.”
“While we’ve vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season, there are still vulnerable people who haven’t come forward. If you’re in one of the eligible groups and you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible – it’s never too late.”
Flu vaccinations are accessible to anyone aged 65 and above, or those under 65 who are considered clinically vulnerable, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. The vaccine is also available to residents of care homes, carers, pregnant women, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, frontline health workers, and children.
Recent statistics reveal an average of 1,717 patients occupied a hospital bed each day last week due to flu – the highest figure recorded for this period of the year. Cases were tenfold compared to the same week in 2023 (160), and over 50 per cent higher than the previous year (1,098).
Latest flu symptoms
Flu often comes on suddenly, with symptoms such as:
- a sudden high temperature
- body aches
- fatigue or exhaustion
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- nausea and vomiting
Given that flu spreads easily and can survive on surfaces for 24 hours, regular hand washing and disposing of tissues immediately after coughing or sneezing into them can help prevent transmission. Health officials have also encouraged individuals displaying symptoms to wear a face covering.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, suggested that if people are coughing and sneezing but feel well enough to go to work, they should consider wearing masks in public areas or on public transport to help curb the spread of the virus.
The NHS recommends rest, staying warm, drinking ample fluids, and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to alleviate fever, aches, and pains. Pharmacists can also provide advice on suitable remedies.
The health service emphasises that individuals should ring NHS 111 or arrange an urgent GP appointment if they are over 65, pregnant, concerned about their child’s symptoms, have chronic medical conditions, possess a compromised immune system, or if symptoms persist beyond seven days.