Experts say this could be the worst flu season for a decade - here's why
Summary
This year's flu season might be the worst in a decade due to a mutated flu virus that emerged unexpectedly during the summer. This mutation makes the virus spread more easily, starting the flu season earlier than usual in places like the UK and Japan. Health experts are concerned but still uncertain about the full impact.Key Facts
- A seasonal flu virus mutated in the summer, making it different from usual yearly changes.
- The mutation allows the virus to evade some of the immunity people have built up from past infections and vaccines.
- The World Influenza Centre noted the flu season began more than a month earlier than usual.
- The virus in question is the H3N2 strain of influenza.
- The virus is spreading easier due to mutations, with an estimated R number of 1.4, up from the usual 1.2.
- This flu season is starting early in countries including the UK and Japan.
- Health officials in the UK have issued a "flu jab SOS" to encourage vaccinations.
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