Experts have warned of the symptoms to look out for as a superflu spreads across the UK and leads thousands of people to hospital beds. Experts said back in December that it could be the “worst outbreak in a decade” after this strain mutated several times over the summer months. These mutations appear to be what is enabling this strain, known as the K-strain or H3N2, to spread so rapidly. 

The spread of this flu is putting the NHS under serious strain. Last week, it was reported that more than 2,900 hospital beds were taken up by flu patients. Experts have urged Brits to get the flu jab if they haven’t already done so in an attempt to prevent serious illness resulting from infection. 

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Flu and RSV among older age groups are staying stubbornly stable for now, with no signs of a drop in the number of older adults needing emergency care for respiratory illnesses.

“We know flu is unpredictable, and the end of flu season could be some months away.”

Surveillance data show flu-related hospital admissions have risen by nearly 10% compared with last week.

Speaking to the Daily Express, Dr Azeem Majeed, Head of the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Imperial College London, urged people to consider wearing a mask when out and about. 

He said: “Mask-wearing can reduce transmission of infection in certain situations. High-quality masks are effective at limiting the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces or healthcare settings. For people who are clinically vulnerable, or those caring for them, mask use during periods of high flu activity can offer an added layer of protection.”

He added: “Masks are most effective when used alongside other measures such as vaccination, good ventilation, staying home when unwell, and hand hygiene. We are unlikely to see population-wide mask mandates return, but targeted, sensible use of masks during peak respiratory virus seasons remains a reasonable and proportionate option to try to limit the spread of flu.”

Health experts have revealed the ten symptoms that people might experience if they become infected with the K-strain. They are:

  • Sudden high temperature
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dry cough
  • Sore throat
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Headache
  • Diarrhoea or stomach pain
  • Feeling tired and fatigued
  • Vomiting or feeling like you need to vomit
  • Body aches

Like many strains of the flu, the best treatments include over-the-counter painkillers, drinking plenty of fluids and getting lots of rest.