Health experts are sounding the alarm over a dangerous new strain of influenza that could trigger the UK's most severe flu season in ten years. This mutated virus is spreading with unusual speed and ferocity, raising fears of record hospitalisations and fatalities this winter.
An Unusual and 'Nastier' Virus
The new threat stems from a significant shift in the H3N2 flu strain, which developed seven distinct mutations in June. Professor Nicola Lewis, director of the World Influenza Centre at the Francis Crick Institute, told the BBC, 'We haven't seen a virus like this for a while. These dynamics are unusual. I'm not panicking, but I am worried.'
She elaborated that the H3 subtype is inherently more severe, describing it as a 'hotter' and 'nastier' virus that is easier to catch and has a greater impact on the population, particularly older individuals.
Early Surge and NHS Strain
The virus is circulating much earlier than typical seasonal patterns. In England, hospital admissions for flu have surged by 60% in just one week, jumping from 251 to 422. This level of demand is not usually seen until the beginning of December, indicating a potentially overwhelming early start to the season.
This worrying domestic picture is mirrored by Australia's experience, which just endured its largest flu season on record with over 410,000 cases. The Southern Hemisphere's season is often a reliable indicator of what the UK can expect.
A Perfect Storm for the NHS
The looming crisis is set to collide with industrial action within the National Health Service. Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, has warned that a severe flu season is likely to hit just as the NHS recovers from a five-day strike by junior doctors, scheduled for November 14 to November 19.
Sir Jim stated that the combination of strike disruption and rampant flu could leave hospitals operating 'at capacity' from December right through to March, creating a perfect storm for the health service.
Compounding the problem is a low uptake of the flu vaccine among vulnerable groups. Officials report that only 28.9% of people with long-term health conditions have received this year's jab. This is despite data showing that flu deaths in England more than doubled last year, rising from 3,555 to 7,757 fatalities.
Duncan Burton, England's chief nursing officer, issued a stark plea: 'We are issuing an urgent SOS to the eligible people who have yet to get jabbed.' The public is being urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and help alleviate the impending pressure on hospitals.
