Everything you need to know about 'K strain' flu as illness wave rises

Everything you need to know about 'K strain' flu as illness wave rises

The UK is currently experiencing a "tidal wave" of flu infections caused by a new variant known as the "subclade K" strain. This virus is a mutated form of the Influenza A H3N2 virus that underwent a "genetic drift" over the summer months.

The K strain appears to be highly infectious, possessing a higher "R rate" (around 1.4) compared to other flu types (1.2). This increased contagiousness means the virus is spreading more easily throughout the population.

Specialists have noted that H3 flu waves are generally considered "always hotter and nastier" than those caused by other flu variants. This characteristic, combined with the mutation, means the public has very little natural protection against the new strain.

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