UK flu epidemic: DEATHS rise as Aussie and Japanese strains cause hospitalisations
DEATHS from flu have risen by 28 per cent across the UK as the country’s death toll has now reached 191 according to Government figures and experts believe it could rise even further.
By SAM SHOLLI
Express.co.uk
Sun, Jan 28, 2018
The news comes as thousands of people have been hospitalised throughout the UK, as four strains of the virus have hit people, including “Aussie” and “Japanese” strains.
The Japanese strain is thought to be responsible for almost half of the hospitalisations recorded, while the H3N2 strain that was prevalent in Australia is believed to have caused a sixth of them.
Professor Simon de Lusignan, medical director of the Royal College of GP’s Research and Surveillance Centre, is more sceptical.
He said: “We are certainly not out of the woods yet this flu season as the influenza virus is incredibly unpredictable.
“It is quite possible that rates will rise again, although they may continue to level out or even decline.”
Richard Pebody, acting head of the respiratory diseases department at Public Health England, today announced that flu is “starting to peak”.
He said: “We are currently seeing a mix of flu types, including the A(H3N2) strain that circulated last winter in the UK and then in Australia and flu B.
“It’s important to practice good respiratory and hand hygiene to reduce the risk of spreading flu and other cause of coughs and colds.”
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