Health and Me

Ishita Roy

K Strain Flu: Mutated H3N2 Virus Is Circulating; Health Officials Say It Is Never Too Late To Get Vaccinated

k strain h3n2 flu vaccine k strain flu symptoms k strain of flu super flu vaccine flu vaccine k flu

From time and again experts have highlighted that flu has come early this year. In fact, they have predicted that this could be a 'nasty season', all thanks to the mutated version of <span>H3N2</span> virus.

<h2>What Is The <span rel="noindex">K Strain Flu</span>?</h2>

Known as the superfly, this is H3N2 'subclade K'. It is a type of seasonal influenza A virus and people have not encountered much of it in the recent years. This is why there is less immunity against it. However, the National Health Service (NHS), UK, has already sent out a 'flu jab SOS' to vulnerable people. 

NHS has confirmed that the <span>super flu</span> is circulating in England this year, and due to less immunity, it is making it easier to spread across people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged people to get a flu jab. As per the early data, this year's vaccine has offered good protection despite the new strain. 

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said that the major concern is that H3N2 is associated with a more severe illness and <span>superflu</span> could be "a very nasty strain of flu". He said that UK could be experiencing a "<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/more-than-1000-flu-patients-in-hospital-beds-69-in-critical-care-cases-rise-by-more-than-50-in-england-article-153248178" data-type="tilCustomLink">tidal wave</a>" of illness.

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/unique-symptoms-of-h3n2-flu-strain-in-uk-and-how-long-infection-now-last-article-153260152" data-type="tilCustomLink">Unique Symptoms Of H3N2 Flu Strain In UK And How Long Infection Now Last</a> 

NHS offers free flu jabs to people who need it the most, which includes:

<ul><li>anyone aged 65 or above</li><li>those with long-term health conditions</li><li>pregnant women</li><li>care home residents</li><li>carers for older or disabled people, or those who receive a carer's allowance</li><li>people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system</li></ul>

NHS also includes frontline health and social care workers to get the jab. 

The flu jab is also available in a nasal spray version, which could be administered to children aged 2 to 3 years as well as school-aged children, up to year 11. 

Everyone else who is not in this list have to buy the jab. 

<h2>Should You Buy The Flu Shot? How Long Does It Take For The Jab To Work?</h2>

Even if you are healthy, you should get the shot, say doctors. Vaccines are still working against the drifted influenza A (H3N2) subclade, also known as the super flu. The vaccines in high street chemists are sold for £20.

Anyone can be vaccinated, except for those who have a serious allergy to any of its ingredients or to the vaccine it self. The best way to know is to speak to the pharmacist and your GP. 

For the vaccine to work, it usually takes up to 14 days. However, what is more important to not is that during the 14-day-long period, you are still vulnerable to catching the virus.

<h2>What Are Some Of The Misconceptions Around Flu Vaccine?</h2>

Some people think that it is the flu vaccine itself that has given them the flu, however, the truth is that while vaccine does not give you a flu, it gives your body the instruction it needs to fight off an infection, in case you catch it. While you may still catch the flu after being vaccinated, the affects will be milder and would not last as long. 

The best part, the vaccine is frequently updated to match the strain or the version of flu that experts expect will be circulating.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/this-one-key-symptom-will-help-you-differentiate-flu-from-covid-according-to-doctor-article-153265140" data-type="tilCustomLink">This ONE Key Symptom Will Help You Differentiate Flu From COVID, According To Doctor</a> 

<h2>What More Can Be Done To Protect Yourself Against The Super Flu?</h2>

Elkeles says that anyone experiencing flu or cold symptoms should wear a mask in public places. This is important for the "tidal wave" of illness in the UK. Speaking to Times Radio, he said, "When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport, to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else. And we were all very good about infection control during Covid. And we really, really need to get back to that now.”

Health Conditions A-Z

health

k strain flu

h3n2 flu virus

superflu

h3n2

h3n2 flu symptoms

h3n2 flu strain

super flu

health news

health news UK

health news england

China Reversed Its Air Pollution Problems; What Lessons Can Delhi Learn?

Justin Timberlake Is Now Prioritizing His Health After Lyme Disease Diagnosis

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

From time and again experts have highlighted that flu has come early this year. In fact, they have predicted that this could be a 'nasty season', all thanks to the mutated version of H3N2 virus.What Is The K Strain Flu?Known as the superfly, this is H3N2 'subclade K'. It is a type of seasonal influenza A virus and people have not encountered much of it in the recent years. This is why there is less immunity against it. However, the National Health Service (NHS), UK, has already sent out a 'flu jab SOS' to vulnerable people. NHS has confirmed that the super flu is circulating in England this year, and due to less immunity, it is making it easier to spread across people. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged people to get a flu jab. As per the early data, this year's vaccine has offered good protection despite the new strain. Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said that the major concern is that H3N2 is associated with a more severe illness and superflu could be "a very nasty strain of flu". He said that UK could be experiencing a "tidal wave" of illness.Read More: Unique Symptoms Of H3N2 Flu Strain In UK And How Long Infection Now Last Who Needs The Flu Jab?NHS offers free flu jabs to people who need it the most, which includes:anyone aged 65 or abovethose with long-term health conditionspregnant womencare home residentscarers for older or disabled people, or those who receive a carer's allowancepeople who live with someone who has a weakened immune systemNHS also includes frontline health and social care workers to get the jab. The flu jab is also available in a nasal spray version, which could be administered to children aged 2 to 3 years as well as school-aged children, up to year 11. Everyone else who is not in this list have to buy the jab. Should You Buy The Flu Shot? How Long Does It Take For The Jab To Work?Even if you are healthy, you should get the shot, say doctors. Vaccines are still working against the drifted influenza A (H3N2) subclade, also known as the super flu. The vaccines in high street chemists are sold for £20.Anyone can be vaccinated, except for those who have a serious allergy to any of its ingredients or to the vaccine it self. The best way to know is to speak to the pharmacist and your GP. For the vaccine to work, it usually takes up to 14 days. However, what is more important to not is that during the 14-day-long period, you are still vulnerable to catching the virus.What Are Some Of The Misconceptions Around Flu Vaccine?Some people think that it is the flu vaccine itself that has given them the flu, however, the truth is that while vaccine does not give you a flu, it gives your body the instruction it needs to fight off an infection, in case you catch it. While you may still catch the flu after being vaccinated, the affects will be milder and would not last as long. The best part, the vaccine is frequently updated to match the strain or the version of flu that experts expect will be circulating.Also Read: This ONE Key Symptom Will Help You Differentiate Flu From COVID, According To Doctor What More Can Be Done To Protect Yourself Against The Super Flu?Elkeles says that anyone experiencing flu or cold symptoms should wear a mask in public places. This is important for the "tidal wave" of illness in the UK. Speaking to Times Radio, he said, "When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport, to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else. And we were all very good about infection control during Covid. And we really, really need to get back to that now.”

k strain flu: mutated h3n2 virus is circulating causing super flu; health officials say it is never too late to get vaccinated, steps to stay safe

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

K Strain Flu: Mutated H3N2 Virus Is Circulating; Health Officials Say It Is Never Too Late To Get Vaccinated

Justin Timberlake Is Now Prioritizing His Health After Lyme Disease Diagnosis

Scromting: Is It A New Medical Slang Of 2025? Here's What Experts Are Saying

Julia Louis-Dreyfus Opens Up On Why She Felt Forced To Share Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis In 2017

Health Conditions A-Z

China Reversed Its Air Pollution Problems; What Lessons Can Delhi Learn?

K Strain Flu: Mutated H3N2 Virus Is Circulating; Health Officials Say It Is Never Too Late To Get Vaccinated

Justin Timberlake Is Now Prioritizing His Health After Lyme Disease Diagnosis