Europe is facing one of the most aggressive flu outbreaks in recent years, with the United Kingdom bearing the brunt of the attack. The emergence of the mutant strain A(H3N2), characterized as “super flu”, has pushed hospitals into crisis mode, forced school closures, and brought masks back into daily life.
Experts warn that this year’s flu season started earlier and could develop into the most severe on record in the United Kingdom. The strain, also known as “subclade K”, dominates cases and causes severe symptoms, creating intense pressure on an already strained healthcare system.
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Super flu in Europe: what’s happening in the United Kingdom
NHS health authorities are asking citizens to wear masks when displaying symptoms like coughing or sneezing and to follow good hygiene practices adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sir Jim Mackey, head of NHS England, spoke of an “unprecedented wave” of infections, with hospitalizations being ten times higher compared to last year, according to the Daily Mail.
The flu is particularly affecting children, with many schools recording high absence rates. At St Martin’s School in Caerphilly, more than 250 students and staff members fell ill, leading to the temporary suspension of school operations. Similar pressure is being recorded in Northern Ireland and Scotland, where principals describe conditions reminiscent of the Covid period. Authorities emphasize that schools should only close in extreme cases to maintain in-person education.
Super flu in Europe: increased cases in France and Spain
The outbreak is not limited to the United Kingdom. In France, health services report increased cases across all age groups. In Mallorca, pharmacists record a steep increase in demand for masks and flu medications in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, hospitals in Britain are under extreme pressure. The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust declared a critical situation in four hospitals due to the exceptionally large number of flu patients. Experts note that mask wearing significantly reduces virus spread and protects against other infections, such as Covid-19 and RSV.
In London, hospitalizations are triple compared to last year, while low vaccination rates worsen the situation, reinforcing fears of even greater spread in the coming period.
