NHS chiefs have declared critical incidents in some hospitals as the H3N2 flu strain , dubbed "subclade K," surges across the UK, causing record hospitalizations. The strain is feared to cause one of the worst flu seasons to date, leading to an urgent plea for vulnerable people to get vaccinated. Symptoms include a sudden high temperature, aching body, and a dry cough .

New Strain of Flu: The surge in illness is being driven by a new strain of the seasonal influenza A virus, identified as H3N2 "subclade K." This has prompted NHS chiefs, including those at Queen Elizabeth's Hospital in Birmingham, to declare critical incidents .

Record Hospital Pressure: NHS data shows that an average of 1,717 hospital beds were recently occupied by flu patients, with 69 in critical care. This fig

See Full Page