Health chiefs have issued a new flu alert as a 'B' strain of the virus is on the rise across Europe.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said at least 27 of the 38 countries in the region, including the UK, have reported 'high or very high influenza activity'.
They said on Wednesday (17 December) that the flu (H3N2) subclade K had hit the shores four weeks earlier than normal, and that the new variant appeared to be driving the infections.
“Flu comes around every winter, but this year is a little different. It shows how just a small genetic variation in the flu virus can place enormous pressure on our health systems,” said Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO’s regional director for Europe, as reported by The Guardian.
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Kluge added that 'in a challenging flu season, trustworthy, evidence-based information can be lifesaving', as he stressed the danger of misinformation.
What is the B-strain influenza?
Influenza B typically accounts for 25 per cent of cases and commonly affects children over five years old, with two lineages: B/Victoria and B/Yamagata.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that, compared with other flu types, influenza B changes slowly in its genetic and antigenic properties.
With (H3N2) sub-clade K said to be accounting for up to 90 per cent of all confirmed flu cases in Europe, the 'B' strain is predicted to hit us in the New Year.
As reported by The Sun, Professor Antonia Ho, from the University of Glasgow, said: “We tend to see flu B later on in the flu season and we see that more in children compared to adults. But I’m not expecting a double peak.”
The symptoms of influenza B are similar to those of influenza A, which cause seasonal flu, and can occur anywhere between one and four days after exposure.
Anyone with asthma, cancer, diabetes and heart disease has an increased risk of illness, and vaccines have remained beneficial in preventing serious cases.
“This is especially important for those at higher risk, including older persons, those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children,” the WHO added. “As in other seasons, school-age children are the primary drivers of community spread. However, adults aged 65 and older constitute the majority of severe cases requiring hospitalisation.”
What are the symptoms of influenza B?
According to health.com, symptoms of influenza B include:
• Body aches and muscle pain
• Congestion
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Sudden onset of fever or chills
Hospitals are dealing with rising flu cases
Dr Layla McCay, from the NHS Confederation, warned Sky News that the doctors' strike in January could leave hospitals dealing with flu cases overwhelmed well into the new year.
McCay said: “What healthcare leaders are telling us is that the impact we will see from these particular strikes will affect particularly things like the waiting lists, and the disruption that is being caused this week will be felt all the way into January and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said at Prime Minister’s Questions that the planned strikes are 'dangerous and utterly irresponsible'.
Anish Vij