Full list of symptoms to look out for as cases of ‘superflu’ rise

It has become the predominant flu nationwide!

There is not an official name for a virus yet, but this term is used when there is an infection which makes unprecedented numbers of people go to hospitals.

Apparently, a ‘drifted’ flu variant has become the predominant flu nationwide, known as A(H3N2), or subclade K, according to health officials.

They have cautioned that this subtybe is one of three primary viruses that cause your seasonal flu.

And this strain of the ‘superflu’ has evolved, according to experts, which means it is more serious and you can get infected or transmit it more easily.

It also has no close resemblance to the version that is incorporated in the flu jab of this year.

And now some schools have been forced to close for several days, as deep cleaning is carried out.

“The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite this, we know that surging flu cases, coinciding with industrial action by resident doctors, will put pressure on services in the coming weeks”, Dr Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London said.

"While we've vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season, there are still vulnerable people who haven't come forward. If you're in one of the eligible groups and you haven't had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible – it's never too late”, he added.

What are the symptoms, and how do you know you have it?

The H3N2 subclade K virus is associated with symptoms similar to seasonal flu, but can be more severe and rapid in onset.

The most commonly reported symptoms include a sudden high temperature, aching body, feeling tired or exhausted, dry cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea or tummy pain, and feeling or being sick.

According to health experts, you can distinguish these flu symptoms from the common cold by their abrupt onset and pronounced fatigue, and urge the public to seek urgent care if they experience severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, or cough up blood.