DEADLY OZ FLU VIRUS SPREADING ACROSS UK

THE potentially deadly Australian flu is spreading in the UK, with health bodies reporting a large rise in cases.

In Ireland, the Irish Health Service Executive says a number of people have died from Australian flu.

And Public Health England says a growing numbers of cases have been reported in the past two weeks by GPs and hospitals.

The first cases in Wales have now also been confirmed.

Dr Jillian Johnston, of England’s Public Health Agency, says: “The Australian experience showed that older people were more susceptible to the A(H3N2) strain of virus so, with families spending a lot of time together at this time of year, getting kids vaccinated can help reduce the spread of flu to older people.”

A Public Health Wales spokesman has confirmed the H3N2 strain of the virus has been detected in parts of the country and has urged “atrisk” people to get vaccinated urgently. Hospitals want people with flu-like symptoms to stay away to prevent spreading the virus.

Dr Richard Roberts, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “Latest figures show that flu cases have increased across Wales in the last few weeks, with a mix of different strains currently in circulation.

“The flu vaccine remains available and we would strongly advise that those aged 65 years and over, between six months and 65 years in risk groups and pregnant women who have not had their flu vaccine this winter, to make sure they don’t miss out and speak to their GP surgery or community pharmacy as soon as a possible.

“Those with flu symptoms should practise ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ to prevent spread: use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, bin the tissue then wash hands or use sanitising gel.”

Age Cymru said people aged 65 or over “are at a higher risk than the general population of developing complications of influenza so if they catch it they are more likely to become dangerously unwell”.

Among those hit by the outbreak is millionaire sportsman Conor McGregor. The 29-year-old UFC fighter said he had been left “shaking in bed the past two days” by the nasty illness.

The strain, known as H3N2, has already caused hundreds of deaths Down Under and has affected up to 170,000 people. People are being urged to get a flu jab to protect themselves.

The flu is a subtype of influenza A and mainly affects pregnant women, the elderly and children.

Those with health conditions are also at risk of the bug, which can lead to pneumonia and other health complications.

What are the symptoms of Australian flu?

The symptoms of most flu, including H3N2, are similar, but different strains can be more severe or contagious than others.

The NHS says flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

a sudden fever – a temperature of 38°C or above; aching body; feeling tired or exhausted; dry, chesty cough; sore throat; headache; difficulty sleeping; loss of appetite; diarrhoea or tummy pain; and nausea and being sick. The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.

How to treat yourself if you have flu

To help you get better more quickly, the NHS advises you to: rest and sleep; keep warm; take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains;

and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear). A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.

Be careful not to use them if you’re taking paracetamol and ibuprofen tablets, as it’s easy to take more than the recommended dose.

Speak to a pharmacist before giving medicines to children.

When should you see your doctor if you have flu?

You should see a GP if:

your symptoms don’t improve after seven days;

you’re worried about your child’s symptoms; you’re 65 or over; you’re pregnant; you have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a heart, lung, kidney or neurological disease;

and you have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV.