What Is Super Flu? Expert Shares All You Need To Know About It

Winter and flu have become almost synonymous with each other. Now, a new flu strain is spreading across the US, leading to a surge in hospitalisations. This strain was reportedly first detected in the UK, Europe, Japan, and several East Asian countries, before being detected later in the US and Canada. The newest flu strain is a variant of influenza A (H3N2). This is commonly referred to as the super flu. This is the most frequently reported flu virus this season, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest Influenza Surveillance Report. What exactly is a super flu? Today, we will explain all about it.

To get an expert view on this, we reached out to Dr Brunda M S, Sr Consultant - Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Read ahead.

What Is Super Flu?

You must have seen the word ‘super flu’ all over the media lately. If you are wondering what exactly it means, our expert explains it for you. “Super flu is an informal term used to describe a very strong or severe type of flu infection. It is not a medical diagnosis. People use this term when flu symptoms feel more intense or last longer than usual,” explains Dr Brunda MS.

She adds, “Symptoms may include high fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, and weakness. Some strains of flu viruses can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults, children, or people with low immunity. Poor rest, delayed treatment, or existing health problems can make the flu feel worse. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe flu.”

What Is The H3N2 Strain ‘K’ Variant?

A variant of the H3N2 virus, known as subclade K, became globally dominant of late. So what is the H3N2 K variant? “The H3N2 ‘K’ variant is a type of Influenza A virus. It is part of the seasonal flu group and spreads through cough, sneezing, and close contact. Symptoms include high fever, cold, cough, sore throat, body pain, headache, and extreme tiredness,” shares Dr Brunda MS.

The expert continues, “Some people may also feel breathless. It can be more severe in children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weak immunity. Most cases recover with rest, fluids, and medicines. Antibiotics do not work unless there is a bacterial infection. Getting the flu vaccine, wearing masks when sick, and good hygiene help prevent spread.”

Also Read: Considering Flu Vaccines In Winter? Expert Shares All You Need To Know

Why Are More Younger People Getting The Superflu?

As per reports by the health officials in the US, Canada, and the UK, most infections of the H3N2 K variant are being detected in people under the age of 19. They include school children and young adults, who are said to be the primary source of transmission in the community. We ask our expert why younger people are more susceptible to the superflu.

“Younger people are seeing more flu cases because they spend a lot of time close to others in schools and play groups, which helps the virus spread easily. Children also have less experience with flu viruses, so their immune systems are still learning to fight them. Because of this, they catch infections more often than adults. Some new flu strains like H3N2 can spread quickly and many people, especially young ones, may have weaker protection from past infections or vaccines. When vaccination rates are lower, more young people can get sick,” explains Dr Brunda MS.

Common Symptoms Of ‘Super Flu’

“Symptoms of super flu are similar to regular flu, but feel stronger and last longer,” shares Dr Brunda MS. On this note, she shares some of the common symptoms of super flu:

• People may have a high fever, chills, and severe body pain.
• Extreme tiredness and weakness are very common.
• There can be a bad cough, sore throat, and runny or blocked nose.
• Headache and eye pain may occur.
• Some people feel breathless or have chest discomfort.
• Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting can also happen.
• Symptoms often start suddenly and can make daily activities difficult.
• Children, older adults, and people with low immunity may feel symptoms more intensely.

Super Flu Treatments And Vaccines

Last but not the least, how to treat and prevent super flu? Shedding light on its prevention, Dr Brunda MS says, “Vaccines are available every year to protect against flu strains, including H3N2 variants. Annual flu shots help reduce the risk of severe illness. Good hygiene like washing hands, wearing masks when sick, and avoiding close contact, also helps prevent the flu from spreading.”

And what about its treatment? “Treatment for super flu focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Rest, plenty of fluids, and light meals help the body recover. Over-the-counter medicines can reduce fever, body pain, and cough. Antiviral medicines may be prescribed by a doctor if started early. Severe cases may need hospital care,” concludes Dr Brunda MS.

Also Read: Can You Get Flu From Breathing The Same Air As Someone Who Is Sick? Find out Here

The Final Word

Super flu is an informal term used to describe a very strong or severe type of flu infection. People use this term when flu symptoms feel more intense or last longer than usual. Symptoms may include high fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, cough, sore throat, and weakness. Some strains of flu viruses can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults, children, or people with low immunity. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe flu.