The so-called “super flu”, driven mainly by the H3N2 influenza A virus, is spreading rapidly during winter, putting healthcare systems under strain in the UK and raising alarms in Pakistan as flu cases surge nationwide.
Health experts clarify that super flu is not a new virus, but an unusually severe and early flu wave this season, marked by fast transmission, stronger symptoms, and higher hospital pressure, especially among vulnerable groups.
Why is ‘Super Flu’ making headlines?
In the United Kingdom, flu infections have risen at an unusually fast pace, placing intense pressure on the National Health Service (NHS). British media reports quote NHS National Medical Director Professor Meghna Pandit as saying emergency departments and ambulance services are facing record strain, a situation further complicated by the possibility of resident doctors’ strikes.
Meanwhile, in Pakistan, health authorities have confirmed widespread circulation of H3N2, often referred to as super flu due to its rapid spread and potential to cause severe illness.
Is ‘Super Flu’ a new disease?
Medical experts stress that super flu is not a scientific or medical classification. The current situation remains within the known patterns of influenza seasons. Flu viruses regularly mutate to evade immunity, which is why flu vaccines are updated every year.
Experts note that every four to five years, influenza undergoes more significant genetic changes, resulting in a stronger and more widespread wave. This season’s dominant strain is Influenza A (H3N2), a virus that has existed since 1968 and has evolved through multiple mutations.
H3N2 surge in Pakistan
Health authorities in Pakistan, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have warned that H3N2 is circulating nationwide. Between late October and early December, more than 340,000 suspected flu cases were recorded, with 12 percent testing positive for H3N2.
The surge has been linked to a highly transmissible genetic variant known as Sub-clade K. According to Dr. Shafiq-Ur-Rahman of Pakistan’s CDC, while symptoms resemble regular flu, the virus spreads faster and can escalate to severe illness in high-risk individuals.
Super Flu symptoms to watch for
Symptoms often appear suddenly and can be more intense than typical seasonal flu, including:
- High fever
- Severe fatigue and weakness
- Body and muscle aches
- Dry cough and sore throat
- Headache
- Vomiting or diarrhea, especially in children
The virus spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces, and crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
Who is most at risk?
Although anyone can contract H3N2, severe illness is more likely among:
- Older adults aged 64 and above
- Young children and newborns
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised individuals
- People with chronic health conditions
Children face higher infection rates due to close contact in schools, while older adults are vulnerable due to immunosenescence, the natural weakening of the immune system with age.
Importance and effectiveness of Flu vaccination
Health experts strongly recommend annual flu vaccination, especially for high-risk groups. Recent data shows:
- In children, vaccines reduce severe illness and hospital admission by 70 to 75 percent
- In adults, hospitalization risk is reduced by 30 to 40 percent, particularly among the elderly
Children usually receive the vaccine as a nasal spray, which is more effective for them, while adults receive injectable vaccines.
How can you protect yourself?
Doctors and health authorities advise:
- Get vaccinated as early as possible
- Stay home if flu symptoms appear
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Wear masks in crowded indoor spaces
- Ensure proper ventilation
- Seek early medical care if symptoms worsen
Experts emphasize that responsible behavior can significantly reduce transmission and ease pressure on healthcare systems during the winter flu season.
