Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Unique Symptoms Of H3N2 Flu Strain In UK And How Long Infection Now Last

It is that time of the year when cough and colds are at its peak and everyone you know if affected by it. However, the health experts have warned that this winter could be worst, worse than the previous one. Why? Because this winter may have the most severe flu outbreaks in decades. The worst part? It is already wreaking havoc on the NHS. 

The flu strain being talked about here is the H3N2 strain, what has also been named as the "unpleasant" by health experts. The experts have warned that NHS could face a "tidal wave" of illness ahead of Christmas. A per the reports, hospital admission rates for flu has already gone up to 56 per cent, as compared to the same week last year. As per the health experts, wearing a mask outside is must, especially if they feel unwell, and have encourages those who are eligible to get their vaccination. 

H3N2 is one of the two main influenza strains currently in circulation. Also referred to as subclade K, it is the most prevalent flu strain in England right now, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The <em>Independent </em>spoke to Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and a medical adviser for Prescription Doctor, about this new strain and the ways to prevent sickness.

Dr Aragona explained that the letters and numbers used to classify flu strains come from the virus’s surface proteins called haemagglutinin, represented by H, and neuraminidase, represented by N.

He said that this specific combination can sometimes lead to more serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

He added that H3N2 changes frequently, which means the version circulating this year may differ from earlier years or from the strain included in the seasonal vaccine. This can leave people more vulnerable to infection.

According to the UKHSA, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Extreme tiredness is common and this often helps distinguish flu from a cold, which develops more gradually.

The symptoms linked to H3N2 have been similar to typical seasonal flu. These may include fever, cough, a runny nose, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.

People at higher risk of complications include children under five, especially those under two, adults over 65, pregnant women and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immunity or neurological illnesses.

If someone develops flu symptoms after close contact with pigs, doctors advise informing a healthcare provider immediately and mentioning that exposure.

<h2>How high are flu rates right now?</h2>

NHS England reported that an average of 1,717 patients a day were admitted to hospital with flu last week. This is a 56 per cent rise from the same period last year.

<ul><li>The rates are seven times higher than in 2023, when hospitals saw an average of 243 flu patients a day.</li><li>This spike follows Australia’s biggest flu season on record, which often predicts how the UK will fare.</li></ul>

<h2>Why is H3N2 hitting harder this winter?</h2>

Dr Aragona said several factors are contributing to a more challenging flu season. The season has begun earlier than usual, giving the virus more opportunity to spread.

He added that the strain has evolved from last year’s version, so immunity from previous infections and even the vaccine may offer less protection.

He also pointed out that fewer people have been exposed to flu in recent years, especially children. This means a larger portion of the population is susceptible. Cold weather, indoor gatherings and normal social habits are also helping the virus spread more easily.

Experts have already noted that this strain picked up seven new mutations over the summer, making it quite different from previous versions in the current vaccine.

With winter underway, the UK is preparing for a rise in flu related deaths. NHS leaders have issued a strong appeal for people to get vaccinated. Last winter saw around 8,000 deaths linked to flu. This was higher than the previous year’s 3,500 deaths but lower than the 16,000 recorded in the 2022 to 2023 season.

Dr Aragona said getting the flu vaccine is the most important step, especially for people who are older, pregnant, very young or managing long term health conditions.

He said the vaccine does not prevent every infection but it greatly reduces the chances of severe illness and hospitalisation.

Good hand hygiene, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated can also help.

New data from the UKHSA shows the 2025 to 2026 vaccine is currently 70 to 75 per cent effective at preventing hospital visits in children aged two to seventeen, and 30 to 40 per cent effective in adults.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal of the UKHSA said the early results offer reassuring evidence that this year’s vaccine provides meaningful protection. He encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Dr Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer, said flu can be unpleasant for many people and dangerous for some. He emphasised that vaccination is the best defence. He said the season has started early and that those eligible should get their vaccine now.

Last year’s flu vaccine significantly reduced the number of severe cases, cutting hospitalisation by nearly 40 per cent in people over 65 and by 75 per cent in children aged two to seventeen.

<h2>How worried should we be about H3N2?</h2>

Dr Aragona said that while flu can be uncomfortable, most healthy adults and children recover without complications. He advised against panic but highlighted that older people, those with chronic illnesses and other vulnerable groups could face more serious illness this season.

He said the key is staying alert, getting vaccinated, taking sensible precautions and seeking medical help early if symptoms worsen. With these steps, he said the risks can be managed, even in a year with higher flu activity.

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It is that time of the year when cough and colds are at its peak and everyone you know if affected by it. However, the health experts have warned that this winter could be worst, worse than the previous one. Why? Because this winter may have the most severe flu outbreaks in decades. The worst part? It is already wreaking havoc on the NHS. The flu strain being talked about here is the H3N2 strain, what has also been named as the "unpleasant" by health experts. The experts have warned that NHS could face a "tidal wave" of illness ahead of Christmas. A per the reports, hospital admission rates for flu has already gone up to 56 per cent, as compared to the same week last year. As per the health experts, wearing a mask outside is must, especially if they feel unwell, and have encourages those who are eligible to get their vaccination. What Is the H3N2 Strain?H3N2 is one of the two main influenza strains currently in circulation. Also referred to as subclade K, it is the most prevalent flu strain in England right now, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).What Are The Doctors Saying?The Independent spoke to Dr Giuseppe Aragona, GP and a medical adviser for Prescription Doctor, about this new strain and the ways to prevent sickness.Dr Aragona explained that the letters and numbers used to classify flu strains come from the virus’s surface proteins called haemagglutinin, represented by H, and neuraminidase, represented by N.He said that this specific combination can sometimes lead to more serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.He added that H3N2 changes frequently, which means the version circulating this year may differ from earlier years or from the strain included in the seasonal vaccine. This can leave people more vulnerable to infection.What are the symptoms?According to the UKHSA, flu symptoms tend to appear suddenly. Extreme tiredness is common and this often helps distinguish flu from a cold, which develops more gradually.The symptoms linked to H3N2 have been similar to typical seasonal flu. These may include fever, cough, a runny nose, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.People at higher risk of complications include children under five, especially those under two, adults over 65, pregnant women and individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immunity or neurological illnesses.If someone develops flu symptoms after close contact with pigs, doctors advise informing a healthcare provider immediately and mentioning that exposure.How high are flu rates right now?NHS England reported that an average of 1,717 patients a day were admitted to hospital with flu last week. This is a 56 per cent rise from the same period last year.The rates are seven times higher than in 2023, when hospitals saw an average of 243 flu patients a day.This spike follows Australia’s biggest flu season on record, which often predicts how the UK will fare.Why is H3N2 hitting harder this winter?Dr Aragona said several factors are contributing to a more challenging flu season. The season has begun earlier than usual, giving the virus more opportunity to spread.He added that the strain has evolved from last year’s version, so immunity from previous infections and even the vaccine may offer less protection.He also pointed out that fewer people have been exposed to flu in recent years, especially children. This means a larger portion of the population is susceptible. Cold weather, indoor gatherings and normal social habits are also helping the virus spread more easily.Experts have already noted that this strain picked up seven new mutations over the summer, making it quite different from previous versions in the current vaccine.With winter underway, the UK is preparing for a rise in flu related deaths. NHS leaders have issued a strong appeal for people to get vaccinated. Last winter saw around 8,000 deaths linked to flu. This was higher than the previous year’s 3,500 deaths but lower than the 16,000 recorded in the 2022 to 2023 season.How can you protect yourself?Dr Aragona said getting the flu vaccine is the most important step, especially for people who are older, pregnant, very young or managing long term health conditions.He said the vaccine does not prevent every infection but it greatly reduces the chances of severe illness and hospitalisation.Good hand hygiene, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated can also help.New data from the UKHSA shows the 2025 to 2026 vaccine is currently 70 to 75 per cent effective at preventing hospital visits in children aged two to seventeen, and 30 to 40 per cent effective in adults.Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal of the UKHSA said the early results offer reassuring evidence that this year’s vaccine provides meaningful protection. He encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.Dr Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer, said flu can be unpleasant for many people and dangerous for some. He emphasised that vaccination is the best defence. He said the season has started early and that those eligible should get their vaccine now.Last year’s flu vaccine significantly reduced the number of severe cases, cutting hospitalisation by nearly 40 per cent in people over 65 and by 75 per cent in children aged two to seventeen.How worried should we be about H3N2?Dr Aragona said that while flu can be uncomfortable, most healthy adults and children recover without complications. He advised against panic but highlighted that older people, those with chronic illnesses and other vulnerable groups could face more serious illness this season.He said the key is staying alert, getting vaccinated, taking sensible precautions and seeking medical help early if symptoms worsen. With these steps, he said the risks can be managed, even in a year with higher flu activity.