A fast-spreading flu strain in the UK is leaving more people vomiting bile, according to health experts. “Superflu” is not a recognised medical term. It is a media phrase used to describe a particularly harsh flu season driven by a mutated Influenza A (H3N2) virus. In this case, the strain belongs to subclade K and has been linked to more severe symptoms and a higher number of infections. Experts say this is partly because the virus has changed enough to slip past immunity built from earlier vaccinations or past illness, making outbreaks harder to control. Older adults and other high-risk groups tend to be affected most.The label is used to highlight a genetically altered H3N2 strain that reduces how well current vaccines match the virus, even though the shots still help protect against serious illness. These changes can make flu seasons arrive sooner than usual and feel more intense than people expect.Super Flu Strain Linked To Bile Vomiting, Experts WarnHealth officials say the H3N2 variant is proving tougher than expected and is also affecting people’s appetite. Experts suggest this version of the virus may be more aggressive due to genetic changes that have made it stronger and more harmful, increasing the risk of infection. Studies indicate it can trigger more intense body aches, sudden exhaustion, and flu symptoms that appear rapidly.Why People Are Vomiting Yellow Bile?Many patients have described vomiting “yellow bile” as one of the standout symptoms of their flu infection. Virologists believe this may happen because the flu is suppressing appetite more than usual, leading people to vomit when their stomachs are empty.People experiencing symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or a runny nose have been advised to reduce contact with vulnerable groups. This includes older adults, pregnant women, and those with existing health conditions, as they face a higher risk of serious illness.UK Flu Hospital Admissions Rising Earlier Than ExpectedHospital admissions for flu in England reached 3.8 per 100,000 people in early November, up from 2.4 the previous week at the end of October, as per Mirror. Dr Simon Clarke, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Reading, told the Daily Mail: “Vomiting bile happens when someone is throwing up on an empty stomach.”Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease expert at the University of East Anglia, explained that vomiting yellow bile usually occurs after repeated vomiting on an empty stomach “due to inflammation of the stomach lining.” He added that while it is often referred to as ‘stomach flu’, this symptom can appear as part of influenza. He also pointed out that yellow bile vomiting is common with stomach bugs such as norovirus and rotavirus, which are currently circulating at lower-than-usual levels for this time of year.Super Flu: Other Symptoms And Advice From ExpertsAdditional flu symptoms include muscle pain, fever, weakness, extreme tiredness, and a dry cough. These symptoms often start suddenly and usually mean staying in bed to recover. Professor Stephen Griffin, a virology expert at the University of Leeds, told the Daily Mail that people vomiting yellow bile should focus on staying hydrated. “It’s important to drink plenty of water, even if you’re being sick, because some fluid will still be absorbed,” he said.Early Flu Surge Raises ConcernHealth leaders raised concerns in November 2025 after a sharp rise in flu cases earlier than expected. Experts think this may be linked to the H3N2 strain mutating seven times over the summer. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that most identified flu viruses were H3N2. Flu-related hospital admissions in England were recorded at 3.8 per 100,000 people in early November, compared with 2.4 the week before. The agency noted that this level of admissions is normally seen in December. At the time, flu activity was more than three times higher than usual for that point in the year, with children and young people most affected.Vaccination Urged Despite LimitsHealth officials have encouraged eligible people to get their Covid and flu vaccinations to lower the risk of severe illness and hospital stays. Booster doses are available for those over 65, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, and pregnant women. While the vaccine formula was finalised in February to allow time for manufacturing, the mutated strain emerged in June, meaning it may not fully protect against this version of the virus. Experts stress, however, that vaccination remains important to reduce the chances of serious illness and infection.NHS Still Under PressureAlthough flu-related hospital admissions fell slightly over the Christmas period, England’s chief medical officer has warned that the NHS remains under significant strain as colder weather adds pressure. New figures released last week showed 2,676 patients were in hospital with flu, down from 3,061 the previous week. This drop was partly credited to NHS teams vaccinating more than half a million additional people compared with last year. Demand on services remains heavy, with NHS 111 handling 414,562 calls over Christmas.Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “It is encouraging to see fewer people being admitted to hospital with flu, but the NHS cannot afford to relax as temperatures fall and pressures are likely to increase in the New Year. If you are eligible and have not yet had your flu jab, please come forward. It is still worthwhile.”Health Secretary Wes Streeting added: “We are still facing serious pressures. It is more important than ever for those who qualify to get their flu vaccination and for people to use A&E only when it is truly necessary.”