Britain is currently grappling with an outbreak of the ‘K strain’ influenza, a new variant of flu that has rapidly spread across the country in recent weeks. Identified as the “subclade K” variant of Influenza A H3N2, this strain has undergone a significant genetic drift over the summer, resulting in a version of the virus that the population’s immune systems are ill-prepared to combat.
The emergence of this mutated strain has led to a sharp increase in flu cases throughout the UK, with approximately 90 percent of reported infections attributed to the K strain. The genetic changes mean that many individuals are experiencing more severe symptoms than usual, as their bodies have not developed immunity to this latest variant.
Individuals affected by the K strain have taken to social media to share their struggles. Content creator @sheiladoe posted a candid update on TikTok, describing her experience as debilitating. She reported symptoms including persistent nausea, constipation, severe headaches, dizziness, and a dangerously high fever exceeding 40°C. Despite seeking hospital treatment and taking medication such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, she noted no signs of improvement and appealed for support, stating, “I am a fraction of the woman I was… at this point, I’m not even sure I’ll recover.”
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Other sufferers echoed similar stories of prolonged and intense illness. One person detailed a two-week ongoing battle with a range of symptoms including sore throat, nausea, diarrhea, extreme headaches, fever reaching up to 41°C, widespread body pain, fatigue, breathing difficulties, insomnia, and loss of taste and smell. Another individual described experiencing severe fever, body aches, intense headache, and relentless coughing, expressing how overwhelming the symptoms felt.
This resurgence of the K strain influenza underscores the importance of vigilance and prompt medical attention for those exhibiting flu symptoms, especially given the severity reported by many. The evolving nature of the virus presents challenges for public health and highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and response to flu variants.