Prøve GULL - Gratis

I have the flu... What should I do now?

Sunderland Echo

December 10, 2025

Health leaders have warned that the NHS is "bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter", but what is so-called "super flu"?

WHAT IS 'SUPER FLU'?

It is not an official name for a virus, but the so-called super flu refers to the illness that seems to be hitting harder and lasting for longer than expected.

This year's flu season also started a month earlier, while a drifted influenza A(H3N2) strain - also known as subclade K - is currently dominating cases in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

WHY HAS THIS YEAR'S FLU SEASON STARTED EARLY?

Last month, UKHSA said the new strain was driving the early surge in cases.

The agency said activity has "risen unusually early" with "increases first seen in teenagers and young adults, followed by younger children".

Flu circulation among children normally precedes that in adults.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FLU?

Denne historien er fra December 10, 2025-utgaven av Sunderland Echo.

Abonner på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av kuraterte premiumhistorier og over 9000 magasiner og aviser.

Allerede abonnent? Logg på

FLERE HISTORIER FRA Sunderland Echo

Vis alle

Sunderland Echo

Top marks for primary school as it makes top 10 in new league tables

A Sunderland primary school has been recognised as one the top five primary schools in the North East in the Sunday Times best primary schools list.

2 mins

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Animals aren't Christmas gifts

As Christmas approaches, avoid the temptation to buy an animal as a Christmas gift.

1 min

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Brits frontman Jack excited to be back where it all started

Jack Whitehall has been announced as presenter of the 2026 Brit Awards.

1 min

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Mount picked out for praise after United's win at Wolves

Ruben Amorim picked Mason Mount out for praise after Manchester United overcame a wobble to thrash winless Wolves 4-1 on a night of unrest at Molineux.

1 min

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Survival of the fittest: Final Draft is the ultimate sports competition

Jennifer Cartwright on Final Draft

3 mins

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Whisks out! Bringing regime change one pudding at a time...

In times of revolution, the French reach for the Molotov cocktails while the British start thumbing through Delia's cookbook.

1 mins

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Family's tribute to 'proud army veteran' Simon

Tributes have been paid to a Sunderland army veteran who died following a collision in South Tyneside.

1 min

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Harriers aiming for medal success at Stewart Park

Saturday sees the 119th staging of the North Eastern Counties Cross-Country Championships, with Stewart Park in Middlesbrough being the venue and Darlington Harriers as the host club, writes Kevin Carr.

2 mins

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo

Guendouzi transfer twist as £21m Cats bid revealed with rivals keen

Matteo Guendouzi's position on a January move has been revealed in Italy, with the Lazio midfielder said to prefer a return to the Premier League but not to Sunderland, despite reports of a substantial bid from the Black Cats.

2 mins

December 10, 2025

Sunderland Echo