A new variant of influenza is causing concern in the United Kingdom, with rising infections leading to increased hospitalizations. As of January 4, **2,924 individuals** were admitted daily due to flu-related complications. Four hospital trusts have declared critical incidents, citing “significant and sustained pressures” on their services. The trusts affected are located in Surrey and Kent, with the Surrey Heartlands Trust indicating that the pressures are exacerbated by a surge in both flu and norovirus cases.
According to the **NHS** national medical director, **Professor Meghana Pandit**, the situation for healthcare services remains dire. “It’s clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter, with hospitals again experiencing a rise in patients admitted with flu and other respiratory virus cases last week,” he stated. Professor Pandit emphasized the importance of individuals seeking necessary care and highlighted the availability of vaccinations to protect against flu.
**Health Secretary Wes Streeting** echoed these concerns, particularly regarding the risk flu poses to vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, and individuals with underlying health conditions. “Vaccination remains the best protection. I urge everyone who is eligible to get their flu jab as soon as possible,” he said.
Doctors are observing distinct symptoms associated with this new flu strain, identified as **subclade K**, a variant of the **A H3N2 subtype**. **Dr. Mark Loafman**, speaking to NBC Chicago, noted that patients infected with this strain are experiencing higher fevers than typically expected, with fevers lasting between five to seven days. In some cases, standard treatments like paracetamol or ibuprofen have proven ineffective in reducing fever.
**Dr. Juanita Mora**, a lung specialist, added that the new strain is characterized by severe coughing, often accompanied by phlegm, as well as gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. There has also been an increase in cases of patients presenting with stomach problems. “We are seeing anecdotally more signs of some GI illness for the adults who have the subclade K strain of flu,” Dr. Loafman explained.
Flu symptoms typically manifest rapidly and are generally more severe than those of a common cold. While most individuals recover within a week, the experience can be quite debilitating. The **NHS** outlines the main symptoms, which usually appear suddenly and include high fever, persistent cough, and muscle aches. Most individuals can manage their flu symptoms at home without the need for medical intervention.
For those experiencing more severe symptoms, the **NHS** recommends contacting the 111 service or scheduling an urgent appointment with a general practitioner. Immediate medical attention is advised if symptoms escalate to include sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, or coughing up blood.
As the UK navigates this rise in flu cases, public health officials are urging vaccination and prompt medical care to mitigate the impact of this new variant, particularly as winter continues to pose challenges for the healthcare system.
