A sudden high temperature is a common symptom of flu (Image: Getty)
The NHS has warned that hospitals are facing an “unprecedented” wave of flu admissions this winter, with predictions that up to 8,000 beds could soon be occupied by virus victims. As cases rise, the public has been urged to come forward for vaccination if eligible.
The recent surge in infections has been driven by a “drifted” or mutated strain from the H3N2 family, which has been known to cause more severe illness, particularly for older adults. However, the UKHSA said its rapid assessment suggested the flu vaccines in use are still providing good protection.
Read more: Urgent warning issued to anyone taking cold and flu medicine or painkillers
Tummy pain can be a sign of flu, according to the NHS website (Image: Getty)
The symptoms of illness caused by H3N2 are thought to be similar to other strains. Flu symptoms listed by the NHS are:
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
People who are particularly vulnerable to serious illness with flu include young children, adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Flu can often be treated at home by getting plenty of rest and sleep, keeping warm, drinking water to avoid dehydration and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Pharmacists can also offer advice about treatment and flu remedies. Urgent help should be sought if a patient experiences sudden chest pain, has difficulty breathing or starts coughing up blood.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national medical director for urgent and emergency care, said last week flu cases were “incredibly high” and the latest figures “confirm our deepest concerns: the health service is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter”.
He added: “The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite that we know that ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes may stretch our staff close to breaking point in the coming weeks.
“With just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I urge anyone eligible to come forward to get their jab.”
