A pharmacist has shared the key signs of flu to spot as a new strain has spread through the UK. In recent weeks the H3N2 variant has been circulating.

The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that in the week up to December 7 flu positivity increased in England with a weekly mean positivity rate of 21 per cent compared with 17 per cent in the previous week. Hospital admissions due to flu also rose to 10.05 per 100,000 people, compared with 8.09 per 100,000.

With this in mind, Ayesha Bashir, prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, shared some of the symptoms to look for. She explained that H3N2 is causing the same symptoms as in other strains.

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She said: “You may have seen reports about a new flu strain being monitored this season, called H3N2. Flu viruses constantly shift and evolve, so it’s not unusual for new strains to develop and be monitored closely.

“What matters most for the public right now is that the symptoms we’re seeing are exactly the same as with more familiar flu strains, and the way we manage and prevent flu hasn’t changed. Every winter we see flu cases climb, but this year they’ve picked up a little earlier and a little faster than expected.

“This winter’s spike is really down to timing and behaviour. As soon as the weather becomes cold, we all spend more time indoors where viruses spread much more easily. If a new strain like H3N2 is circulating alongside the usual ones, that simply adds more opportunity for infection to spread quickly.”

She shared “key” symptoms to look out for including:

• A sudden high temperature


• A dry, persistent cough


• Body aches and joint pain


• Headache


• Fatigue that comes on very quickly


• Sore throat


• Loss of appetite


• Sometimes nausea or diarrhoea

She continued: "These symptoms don’t differ much between flu strains, so you won’t be able to tell which one you’ve caught based on how you feel. What does matter is how unwell you are overall.

“If you’re struggling to breathe, have chest pain, or your symptoms are worsening after a few days, it’s important to seek medical advice. For most healthy adults, flu is unpleasant but manageable at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter treatments.

“The people who need to be more cautious are those who are pregnant, over 65, very young, or living with long-term conditions like asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart disease. If you’re in any of these groups, do seek advice as early as possible.”

To stay healthy and reduce your risk this winter she advised you:

• Get your flu jab – it's still the best protection we’ve got and can make symptoms much milder if you do catch the flu


• Wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face


• Use tissues and bin them straight away


• Keep rooms ventilated when you have guests over


• Stay home if you’re unwell to avoid passing the flu on


• Support your immune system with enough sleep, balanced meals, and by staying hydrated

She added: “New strains like H3N2 can sound worrying, but they’re part of how the flu virus behaves every year. The good news is we already know that vaccination, good hygiene, and early symptom management still make a huge difference.

“If you’re ever unsure whether your symptoms are typical or need extra attention, always speak to a GP or pharmacist.”