Schools shut in the UK due to explosive H3N2 flu outbreak | OneFootball

The United Kingdom activated emergency protocols after the temporary closure of several schools due to an unusual outbreak of H3N2 flu, driven by a virus mutation known as “subclade K,” considered highly transmissible. The main focus was recorded in Caerphilly, Wales, where more than 250 students and staff were affected at the same time. Educational authorities ordered the suspension of classes and a total disinfection of the facilities.

The symptoms—vomiting, fever, diarrhea, headache, and fatigue—appeared suddenly and led several centers to halt activities due to the rapid spread, with a clinical picture reminiscent of Covid-19.

The National Health Service (NHS) has already recorded 1,717 hospitalizations for flu by the end of November, the highest figure for this time of year. Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the mutation has increased the transmission capacity, although the vaccine remains consistently effective.

Experts warn that the variant could trigger a surge in cases in the coming weeks and stress the urgency of getting vaccinated, especially given the risk of co-infections between common flu and avian flu.

The high transmissibility is explained by significant genetic changes within subclade K, according to preliminary studies.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.