The NHS has issued a “stay at home” warning to all Brits has the H3N2 variant is rapidly spreading across the UK and people are being advised to wear face coverings.
The flu season has arrived earlier this year and the NHS has warned it will be one of the worst winter bugs on record and people are being advised to “cover your nose and mouth” and to “avoid contact with other people.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that influenza is soaring and is circulating across the UK at a moderate level.
The UKHSA report stats A&E visits for flu-like symptoms have increased and the “number of influenza-confirmed acute respiratory infection (ARI) incidents increased.
“Of influenza viruses subtyped at the UKHSA Respiratory Virus Unit, the majority were A(H3N2).”
The NHS wrote on X on Monday, “If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly.
“Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re eligible. If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly.”
The NHS advised, “Rest and sleep, keep warm, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
As part of a UK wide “reduce the spread” warning the NHS said, “Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze,” also keep your hands clean and wash thoroughly with warm water and soap.
The NHS is advising Brits, “Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.
The NHS added, “A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. If you’re worried about your symptoms, or you’re not getting better, call 111 or get help from 111 online.”
The NHS website states, “Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to others in the first five days. Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.”
