A POTENTIALLY deadly flu strain is heading for the UK from Down Under - leaving Brits to face the worst flu season in 50 years.
But what exactly is Aussie flu, and how is it different from the normal winter bug? Here's what we know...
Getty - Contributor Aussie flu is a potentially deadly strain of the winter bug
What is Aussie flu?
Around 170,000 cases of flu have been reported in Australia this season, which is two and a half times more than last year.
The strain of flu is called H3N2, and public health expert Professor Robert Dingwall, from Nottingham Trent University, warned it was "almost inevitable" the winter bug will hit Britain this winter.
He added: "The reports from Australia suggest the UK might be in for the worst winter flu season for many years."
The number of flu deaths in Australia over their winter has not yet been released, but it's thought to be the worst in years.
Now Aussie flu has claimed its first victims in Ireland - as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) revealed a number of people have already died from the virus.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, from the Health Protection department, told Independent.ie: "There have been a few deaths already... under 10 people have died so far this year."
A surge in infections has seen cases of the new H3N2 strain skyrocket in recent days as the NHS faces a seriously challenging flu season.
Data from Public Health England reveals that at least 1,649 people have been struck down by the potentially deadly strain in England and Wales - in just one week over the Christmas period.
FluSurvey This map shows how most of the country has been affected by the 'Aussie flu', with red areas the most heavily hit
How many people have been affected by Aussie flu?
Public Health England revealed 1,649 people had been struck down with Aussie flu over the Christmas week, up almost half on the week before.
And at least 73 have already been admitted to hospital, causing doctors to urge people to get vaccinated - as the flue "actively circulates" in Ireland.
Professor Dingall previously told the Daily Express that this is the most serious flu epidemic since the 1968 pandemic that started in Hong Kong - and killed a million people worldwide.
H3N2 is a mutated strain of flu, meaning the vaccine in Australia has been less effective than hoped.
Mum-of-two Jennifer Thew, who's originally from Germany, was one of those to die from flu in Australia in September.
She died from acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by flu - even though she worked as a medical receptionist and had been vaccinated against it.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, from the Health Protection department, told Independent.ie: "There have been a few deaths already... under 10 people have died so far this year.
"I don't give specific numbers when it's less than 10 because people could be identified."
Getty - Contributor If you don't recover after a week, it could be a sign that you know a more serious strain of flu
What are the symptoms of Aussie flu?
Symptoms of Aussie flu are similar to those caused by normal flu, but they are more severe. Here are some signs to look out for:
Sore throat and cough
Headache
Fever
Muscle ache
Fatigue
Runny nose and sneezing
People should recover from normal flu within a week so, although the cough and fatigue may last longer.
So if you're still really ill after seven days, it's a good indication of something more serious.
Aussie flu can lead to pneumonia and other potentially fatal complications.
MOST READ IN HEALTH TUBBY TOT TROUBLE Most dads of obese kids think their children are an acceptable weight CB-DEVIANT Gwyneth Paltrow urges fans to neck cocktails laced with cannabis extract CBD CARRY ON JOGGING From teabags to running challenges, we help you stick to your resolutions Life after an eating disorder We investigate if you can get better in world of #cleaneating TONED TONI'S TOP TIPS Wife of ex-England ace John Terry reveals secrets of transformation CAPPUCCI-NO Gwyneth Paltrow recommends putting coffee in a VERY intimate place
Who is most at risk from Aussie flu?
Those most at risk are the over 65s, pregnant women, young kids and those with chronic conditions - like diabetes, lung and heart disease.
Back in September, NHS bosses urged all eligible Brits to get the free flu jab - but admitted it was too late to tweak the strains in their stockpile.
More than 21 million Brits can get a free vaccine. In 2016, it didn't match the dominant flu strain - causing the biggest spike in winter deaths since the 60s.
What areas in the UK are at most risk from Aussie flu?
Map shows the Aussie flu hot spots of the UK, according to FluSurvey data
Plymouth, Doncaster and Durham are revealed as Aussie flu hot spots while other parts of the country have no recorded outbreaks, according to a map compiled by the FluSurvey website.
It relies on patients self-reporting so the true figure in each region is likely to be far higher.
Public Health England revealed 1,649 people had been struck down with Aussie flu over the Christmas week, up almost half on the week before.
Get Daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
A particularly horrid strain of flu is sweeping across the UK.
Known as ‘Aussie Flu’ because of the way it spread across Australia, where it has been attributed to the deaths of hundreds of people, it is being linked to a rise in flu cases across England.
The Liverpool Echo reports that health experts are warning of the possibility of the worst death tolls in winter for many years.
GPs and hospitals are reporting growing cases of flu, according to Public Health England’s latest report, which warns hospitals should prepare for a rise in fatal cases this winter.
Australia was hit by one of the largest outbreaks it had seen in years in the southern hemisphere’s winter.
It was blamed for hundreds of deaths and there are fears that the particularly prevalent strain of Aussie flu, H3N2, could be spreading to the UK.
The strain mainly affects older people, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and children.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of most flu, including H3N2, are similar, but different strains can be more severe or contagious than others.
Symptoms can include a sudden fever, aches, exhaustion, a dry chesty cough, headaches, sore throats, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and trouble sleeping.
Children can also get ear pain.
What is the difference between flu and a cold?
The symptoms may be similar to a common cold, but flu tends to be more severe.
Flu tends to come on in a few hours, makes you feel exhausted and affects more than the nose and throat alone.
It can also lead to much more serious complications like pneumonia.
What is Aussie flu and is it actually deadly?
It is coming to the UK with quite a reputation. There are many cynics that believe the word 'deadly' is an exaggeration but this strain of the flu has been blamed for more than 300 deaths in Australia, as well as a dozen or more in Ireland.
The bug is known as H3N2 and there were around 170,000 cases in total, which pushed Aussie A&E units to breaking point.
Aussie flu mainly affects the elderly and people who are vulnerable due to long-term health conditions. Children and pregnant women are also at risk.
Catching this strain of flu can lead to pneumonia and other potentially deadly health complications.
What to do if you think you have Aussie flu?
The first form of defence against Aussie flu is to have a flu jab that will protect against the H3N2 strain.
If you don't have the jab and then contract the flu, then a GP might be able to prescribe an anti-viral medication as treatment.
If you think that you have the symptoms, you can speak to a pharmacist about which over-the-counter medications are recommended to take.
The flu can be prevented from being spread by people washing their hands regularly, covering their mouth and nose with tissues or a sleeve when they cough or sneeze, and cleaning surfaces they suspect are infected.
How can you protect yourself?
Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
The flu vaccine is the best protection we have, though flu strains change so it needs to be done every year.
The flu jab is offered free to adults at risk, over-65s, pregnant women and children at risk aged six months to two years old, and a spray is offered to children up to four.
You can have the jab at your GP and some pharmacies.
Serious side effects of the vaccine are rare.
Anyone can help prevent the virus from spreading by washing their hands regularly, covering their mouth and nose with tissues or a sleeve when they cough or sneeze, and cleaning surfaces they suspect are infected.
How can you treat flu?
Flu usually clears up by itself after around a week, but there are ways you can recover more quickly.
Rest, sleep, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen and drinking lots of water are all recommended.
GPs do not prescribe antibiotics as they will not relieve symptoms or help recovery.
You can seek advice most easily from a pharmacist, and are encouraged not to call 999 or go to A&E unless you develop sudden chest pain, have trouble breathing or start coughing blood.
Patients are advised to only go to their GP if their symptoms fail to improve after seven days, they are a child, over-65, pregnant or have a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system.
Get Daily updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again later Invalid Email
As winter continues to have Somerset in its grips, the looming threat of Aussie Flu wreaking havoc with people across the region is becoming increasingly more likely.
The spread of this 'deadly' strain of the influenza virus has seen a number hit with its symptoms across the West Country and the latest flu map shows that Somerset has become the latest hotspot.
(Image: flusurvey.org.uk)
How do you know that you have Aussie flu and why is it being labelled deadly? Here are the facts;
What are the symptoms?
While symptoms of H3N2 - a subtype of influenza A - are similar to other strains of the flu, you will find that they are more severe than usual.
Symptoms include:
Body aches
Coughing
Exhaustion
Fever
Headache
Minor congestion
Sore throat
Vomiting and diarrhoea
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now
What is Aussie flu and is it actually deadly?
It is coming to the UK with quite a reputation. There are many cynics that believe the word 'deadly' is an exaggeration but this strain of the flu has been blamed for more than 300 deaths in Australia, as well as a dozen or more in Ireland.
The bug is known as H3N2 and there were around 170,000 cases in total, which pushed Aussie A&E units to breaking point.
Aussie flu mainly affects the elderly and people who are vulnerable due to long-term health conditions. Children and pregnant women are also at risk.
Catching this strain of flu can lead to pneumonia and other potentially deadly health complications.
(Image: Getty Images)
What to do if you think you have Aussie flu?
The first form of defence against Aussie flu is to have a flu jab that will protect against the H3N2 strain.
If you don't have the jab and then contract the flu, then a GP might be able to prescribe an anti-viral medication as treatment.
If you think that you have the symptoms, you can speak to a pharmacist about which over-the-counter medications are recommended to take.
The flu can be prevented from being spread by people washing their hands regularly, covering their mouth and nose with tissues or a sleeve when they cough or sneeze, and cleaning surfaces they suspect are infected.
Somerset Live has launched a WhatsApp group to help you keep up to date with the latest news from across the county. If you'd like to receive breaking news alerts, text NEWS to 07834 893492. Then add the number to your phone contacts book as 'Somerset Live’. We will send you a maximum of four messages a day. Your phone number won't be shared with other members of the group or be used for any other purpose.
The HSE confirmed just last week that first flu deaths have been recorded in Ireland for this year as the dreaded 'Aussie flu' sweeps the country.
Flu rates are currently standing above the baseline threshold a level which means that flu is actively circulating in the community, according to the Director of Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Dr Kevin Kelleher.
Normal flu symptoms to be looked out for are a sudden fever, aches, exhaustion, a dry chesty cough, headaches, sore throats, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and trouble sleeping.
Symptoms for Aussie flu are generally the same but far more severe, with children generally experiencing extreme ear pain.
The HSE have said that people tend to recover from a normal flu after seven days, so if you are still feeling poorly after a week, it could be an indication that it's something more serious.
JOE spoke to Dr Kelleher about the Aussie flu and what can be done to treat it:
''The Aussie flu is actually the same virus which was prevalent in Ireland last winter. De facto the Aussie flu is actually the Irish flu in Australia. We had a bad winter last year with a particularly large amount of elderly admitted into hospital.
''Generally speaking, two or three flu viruses are always circulated at any one time and the HSE attempts, with the vaccine, to target these. However, they are different viruses and they all have slightly different impacts and variations, some affect the elderly more some effect pregnant women more, some are milder and some are stronger.
''This year what we seem to have, in the early stages of flu season that we are in now, is a mixture of the flu virus from last year and the B virus that we’re experiencing this year.
Advertisement
''The B virus isn’t coped with fully in the vaccine that was administered in 2017, but last year’s virus is partially coped with in the stream that’s in the vaccine.
''We’re actually still early in the current flu season which normally lasts 8-12 weeks, 5 weeks minimum and up to 16 weeks maximum.
''What we would anticipate is the season’s peak in week or two week’s time and then it will start declining quite sharply.''
And as for his recommendations to those who are suffering:
''Stay at home, drink lots of fluids, and take paracetamol for the pain. Those infected shouldn’t go out and mix with others to avoid spreading.''
High-risk groups are:
- All those aged 65 years and older
- People including children with chronic illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic neurological disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders and diabetes
- Those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment and all cancer patients
- All pregnant women. The vaccine can be given safely at any stage of pregnancy.
- Those with morbid obesity i.e. Body Mass Index ≥ 40
- Residents of nursing homes, old people's homes and other long stay facilities
- Health care workers and carer’s of those in risk groups
Those individuals in the ‘at risk’ groups can get the vaccine for free as they are at much greater risk of becoming seriously unwell if they catch flu, with many ending up in hospital.
The HSE has reminded those individuals in high-risk groups that it is still timely to get vaccinated against influenza, as the number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ireland has increased in the past three weeks.
Advertisement
While you're here...
Follow on Instagram by clicking here or ON THE GIGANTIC PIC BELOW!
Go on, you know you want to...
