Mutated H3N2 flu virus is circulating – should you buy a vaccine this year?

Flu has arrived early this winter, accompanied by a new, mutated strain of the H3N2 virus, a subtype of seasonal influenza A. While some are colloquially referring to it as "super flu," this is not a recognized medical term and does not imply increased resistance to treatment. Instead, the concern stems from a reduced level of community immunity due to limited exposure to this particular H3N2 variant in recent years. Despite this, flu vaccinations remain an effective tool for preventing severe illness.

The impact of this early flu season has been significant. In early December, England recorded a record high for flu patients in hospitals at this time of year, with an average of 2,660 daily admissions, a 55% increase from the preceding week. However, recent data offers some encouraging news, indicating a slowdown and subsequent decrease in flu cases. Dr. Jamie Lopez-Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, noted that flu levels are continuing to decline, leading to fewer hospital admissions over the past week. Despite this positive trend, he cautioned that the virus is "still very much with us," emphasizing the ongoing need for individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, to take precautions to protect themselves and prevent further spread.

Predicting the precise peak and duration of the current flu season remains challenging. NHS national medical director Meghana Pandit has warned that the health service is "not out of the woods yet." The heightened social interactions expected during the Christmas and New Year festivities provide fertile ground for the virus to spread.

The National Health Service (NHS) provides a free flu vaccine to individuals considered most at risk. This includes people aged 65 and over, those aged six months to 64 with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and those living with someone who is immunosuppressed. Frontline health and social care workers are eligible for vaccination through their employers. For children aged 2 to 3 years and school-aged children from reception to Year 11, a nasal spray vaccine is available. Vaccinating children is crucial not only for their own protection but also to prevent them from easily catching and spreading the flu to others who are more vulnerable. For individuals who do not fall into these eligible categories, the flu jab can be purchased privately.

For those considering purchasing a flu jab, high street pharmacies typically offer the vaccine for approximately £20. It is advisable to get vaccinated as soon as possible to ensure protection throughout the winter months. The vaccine is designed to provide immunity for the entire current flu season. While almost everyone can receive the vaccine, individuals with a history of serious allergic reactions to the vaccine or its components should consult a pharmacist.

Regarding vaccine availability, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has stated there is no national shortage of the vaccine for those eligible for free provision through the NHS. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online. The NHS reported that 18 million flu vaccines had been administered by autumn, an increase of 306,000 compared to the same period in the previous year. However, for those seeking to purchase the vaccine privately, it may be necessary to contact multiple pharmacies to secure a supply.

The effectiveness of the flu jab lies in its ability to target the circulating flu strains of the current year. It typically takes up to 14 days for the vaccine to become fully effective, during which time individuals remain susceptible to infection. It is a common misconception that the vaccine causes flu; in reality, it provides the body with the necessary information to combat a potential infection. While vaccination does not guarantee complete immunity, it significantly reduces the risk of contracting the flu and, if infection does occur, it is likely to be milder and shorter in duration. Due to the evolving nature of influenza viruses, annual vaccination is recommended, as the vaccine is updated each year to best match the predicted circulating strains.

The government’s current guidance on face masks has not changed, emphasizing personal choice. However, individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to "consider" wearing a mask to help prevent transmission. Some hospitals have also implemented visitor mask mandates.

Distinguishing between a common cold, the current flu strain, and COVID-19 can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms. Colds typically manifest with a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and sneezing, with fever being less common. Flu, on the other hand, is characterized by a sudden onset of fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, headache, and a dry cough. COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely but often include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and shortness of breath. While most individuals recover from flu within one to two weeks with rest, complications such as pneumonia can arise. For medical advice, individuals should first contact NHS 111 or their GP. In cases of severe difficulty breathing or chest pain, immediate emergency services should be contacted by calling 999 or going to the nearest hospital.

Beyond vaccination, several other measures can help protect against respiratory viruses. Ensuring good ventilation by opening windows when meeting people indoors can reduce the concentration of airborne viruses. Practicing good hygiene is paramount: washing hands frequently with soap and water, using hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable, and covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of the elbow. If unwell and needing to go out, wearing a face mask can further reduce the risk of spreading germs.