The mutant strain of f lu that’s making the winter jab useless

DOCTORS believe a mutant strain of flu not covered by the seasonal vaccine is contributing to a significant rise in A&E admissions.

Flu levels are now the highest they have been for four years, and continuing to rise. They are likely to keep on rising for another eight weeks.

Dr Richard Pebody, head of seasonal flu surveillance at Public Health England, said: ‘Overall, levels are now higher than the peak of flu activity observed in the last three seasons, but have not reached the levels seen in the last notable seasons of 2010/11 and 2008/09.’

Research in one hospital suggests that around half those being admitted to hospital with respiratory illness are suffering from a severe form of the virus. The strain has mutated since the vaccine was prepared, making this year’s jab less effective.

Dr Ben Marshall, a specialist in respiratory medicine at Southampton General Hospital, said the number of patients admitted with respiratory illnesses had doubled. Around half were found to have the influenza A H3 virus, a severe strain of the virus.

It is included in the annual seasonal influenza vaccine but, this year, appears to have mutated since the vaccine was prepared.

The vaccine is prepared based on which strains of flu have appeared in other parts of the world which are ahead in the flu season.

Dr Marshall said: ‘We have seen the number of patients, mainly those who have respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), being admitted as medical emergencies increase from 25 to 30 a day to more than 50 a day.

‘Using a novel swab test, we have been able to rapidly discover what type of virus they are suffering from and a large proportion of them have had the influenza A H3 strain, which is now evading the immune response generated in recipients by the current seasonal vaccine.’

Dr Marshall said despite the large numbers, the majority of patients admitted with respiratory conditions complicated by illnesses such as flu and other viruses were being treated and discharged ‘within days’ – but the volume was adding ‘significant strain’ to already stretched hospitals.

Although less effective, people should still get vaccinated to offer some degree of protection, particularly those with chronic illnesses who have still not had the jab.