Health officials are monitoring a significant winter spike in flu cases across the UK, driven in part by the circulation of the H3N2 strain. With hospital admissions rising, a leading pharmacist has outlined the crucial symptoms to watch for and the best ways to stay protected.
Rising Flu Rates and Hospital Admissions
The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data reveals a marked increase in flu activity in England. For the week ending December 7, the mean positivity rate jumped to 21%, up from 17% the previous week. More concerning is the rise in hospital admissions, which climbed to 10.05 per 100,000 people from 8.09 per 100,000.
Prescribing pharmacist Ayesha Bashir of Chemist4U explains that while the H3N2 variant is contributing to the spread, its symptoms mirror those of other common flu strains. "Flu viruses constantly shift and evolve," she said. "What matters most is that the symptoms we’re seeing are exactly the same, and the way we manage and prevent flu hasn’t changed."
Bashir attributes this winter's early and rapid spike to a combination of timing and human behaviour. Colder weather forces people indoors, where viruses transmit more easily, and the presence of a newer strain like H3N2 alongside existing ones creates more opportunity for rapid infection.
Key Flu Symptoms to Recognise
The pharmacist emphasised that the 'key' symptoms of flu, including the H3N2 strain, are consistent. She advises the public to be vigilant for the following signs, which often come on suddenly:
- A sudden high temperature (fever)
- A dry, persistent cough
- Body aches and joint pain
- Headache
- Rapid-onset fatigue
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Occasional nausea or diarrhoea
"You won’t be able to tell which strain you’ve caught based on how you feel," Bashir noted. The critical factor is the overall severity of illness. She urges anyone struggling to breathe, experiencing chest pain, or whose symptoms worsen after a few days to seek medical advice promptly.
Protecting Yourself and Others This Winter
While flu can be severe, Bashir stresses that for most healthy adults it is manageable at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies. However, certain groups should be more cautious and seek advice early. These include:
- Pregnant women
- Those aged over 65
- Very young children
- People living with long-term conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart disease
To lower the risk of catching or spreading flu this season, the pharmacist offers a clear action plan:
- Get your flu jab: It remains the best protection and can significantly lessen symptoms if you do get ill.
- Maintain good hygiene: Wash hands regularly, avoid touching your face, use tissues and bin them immediately.
- Ventilate indoor spaces, especially when socialising.
- Stay home if unwell to avoid passing the virus on.
- Support your immune system with adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and proper hydration.
"New strains like H3N2 can sound worrying, but they’re part of how the flu virus behaves every year," Bashir concluded. "The good news is we already know that vaccination, good hygiene, and early symptom management still make a huge difference. If you’re ever unsure, always speak to a GP or pharmacist."
