Full list of symptoms to watch out for as rampant ‘superflu’ cases skyrocket

A “superflu” is fuelling an unusually early and severe flu season throughout the UK as schools are forced to close and bring back Covid-like procedures. Whilst not an official designation for a virus, the term “superflu” describes the infection which is leaving unprecedented numbers of people requiring hospital treatment.

Health officials have cautioned that a ‘drifted’ flu variant, identified as A(H3N2) – or subclade K – has swiftly become the predominant influenza strain nationwide. The H3N2 subtype represents one of three primary viruses responsible for seasonal flu.

Experts caution this strain has evolved, making it both more serious and more transmissible, and that it no longer bears close resemblance to the version incorporated in this year’s flu jab.

Some schools have even been forced to close for multiple days to carry out deep cleans, while others have stopped singing in assemblies to lower the risk of transmission.

Congleton High School in Cheshire shut on November 26 and 27 for cleaning after discussions with the UK Security North West Health Protection Team and Infection Control Team.

Dr Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite this, we know that surging flu cases, coinciding with industrial action by resident doctors, will put pressure on services in the coming weeks.

“While we’ve vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season, there are still vulnerable people who haven’t come forward. If you’re in one of the eligible groups and you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible – it’s never too late.”