Flu always poses a serious health risk during winter, causing thousands of deaths and substantial pressure on hospitals. This season, however, has sparked debate due to early spread and media claims of a “superflu” wave, raising public concern and questions about what is truly happening.
In June, scientists identified seven new mutations in the H3N2 strain, creating a subclade called K-flu. This variant appeared earlier than usual in the UK, fueling worries about wider spread and reduced vaccine effectiveness. Yet, ongoing data suggest the virus is spreading at a rate similar to previous seasons, without showing extraordinary severity.
Prof Christophe Fraser from the University of Oxford states that K-flu’s transmissibility is slightly higher by about 5-10%. This advantage may mainly affect children and young adults, who have experienced less prior flu exposure. Elderly populations, typically vulnerable to H3N2, have not experienced unusually severe cases this season.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UK Health Security Agency, confirms the current flu impact on hospitals and health aligns with typical seasonal patterns. There is uncertainty about the coming weeks, especially around Christmas gatherings, which could increase infections, including from a rising H1N1 strain in Europe.
Despite these facts, NHS England dubbed the situation an “unprecedented wave of super flu,” a term experts reject as scientifically inaccurate. Prof Nicola Lewis of the Francis Crick Institute emphasizes there is no evidence to classify this season’s flu as “super” in terms of symptoms or health impact. Former deputy chief medical officer Prof Jonathan Van-Tam found the label misleading.
Experts warn that sensational language risks desensitizing the public. Dr Simon Williams from Swansea University highlights the danger of repeatedly calling each winter “the worst,” which may erode trust and reduce vaccine uptake. Prof Jonathan Ball from Nottingham adds that overuse of alarmist terms could undermine response to genuinely severe future outbreaks.
Preventive measures including vaccination remain critical. Last winter’s flu vaccine helped prevent approximately 100,000 hospital admissions. Public health messaging must strike a careful balance between alertness and avoiding unnecessary fear, focusing on accurate information to support effective protection against flu this season.
Read more at: www.bbc.com
