The NHS has issued an urgent UK-wide alert urging people to stay at home and cover their mouths and noses as the H3N2 flu strain spreads rapidly. In a post on X, the health service advised those with symptoms to avoid contact with others and to practise good respiratory hygiene.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), influenza activity has increased and is now at medium levels, with emergency department attendances for influenza-like illness rising. The majority of subtyped influenza viruses are A(H3N2), with a specific subclade K responsible for most recent cases, placing significant strain on health services.
The NHS recommends resting, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drinking plenty of water to aid recovery. It also advises covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, washing hands regularly, and staying home if you have a high temperature or feel unwell.
Flu symptoms develop rapidly and include fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches. Children may also experience ear pain. The NHS warns that flu is highly infectious and easily spread, especially in the first five days, with germs surviving on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours.
Those eligible are urged to get the flu vaccine. For treatment advice, the NHS recommends consulting a pharmacist or calling 111 if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
