There's a resilient new strain of flu tearing its way through the UK right now, as doctors attempt to raise awareness of its 10 key symptoms.
Technically named H3N2 'subclade K' - but referred to as the 'K strain' - this variant is understood to be a mutation, having developed into a type of seasonal influenza A virus via a significant 'genetic drift', which took place in the summer months.
According to health experts, cases are surging at the minute across both the UK and overseas, with the infection seemingly knocking patients off their feet to a much more extreme degree than other common winter illnesses, given its 'hotter and nastier nature'.
As such, a 'flu jab SOS' has been issued to Brits by the NHS, calling for especially vulnerable individuals - as well as those battling long-term/chronic conditions - to remain on top of their vaccinations, as per the BBC.
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Industry leaders are also demanding that Downing Street issue a mandatory mask-wearing mandate to be applied in hospitals, and even for schools in populated areas to be shut down until the 'tidal wave' of infection washes away.
NHS Providers chief executive Daniel Elkeles told Times Radio this week: "So children are still at school, it’s warm and wet, so it’s perfect flu-spreading conditions."
He added: "When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.
"And we were all very good about infection control during Covid. And we really, really need to get back to that now."
What are the 'K strains' symptoms?
Despite hitting patients both harder and affecting the body on a much more extended scale, experts warn that the indicators of this virus won't exhibit themselves much differently to how common colds and coughs do.
Apparently, however, there are discreet ways to tell whether you're dealing with a much more serious infection, with experts medics raising awareness of 10 key symptoms.
These are:
- A sudden high temperature
- Body aches
- 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
Of these symptoms, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control emphasised: "Even if the individual risk of severe illness remains similar to previous years, a larger epidemic driven by lower immunity to infection could still result in a higher absolute number of hospitalisations and increased pressure on healthcare services."
These indicators of infection will reportedly develop between 1-3 days of contraction, and immediately after emerging, becomes very contagious.
It spreads from person to person through the sharing of germs via coughs and sneezes, with harmful bacteria able to survive on surfaces for up to 24 hours. This also means you're more likely to continue spreading germs for up to five days of illness.
Rhianna Benson