What treatments are available for severe flu in the NHS?

Currently, there are no treatments proven to be effective for patients hospitalised with severe influenza within the NHS.

Why is the new H3N2 flu strain considered 'superflu'?

The H3N2 strain is causing an early and significant surge in flu cases, and it appears to be more dangerous, particularly for older people.

Are flu vaccines effective against the new H3N2 strain?

While vaccines remain the best protection, their effectiveness is significantly reduced in the elderly, offering only 32% protection against the new strain.

Home / Health / NHS Faces Flu Treatment Crisis: No Proven Cures

NHS Faces Flu Treatment Crisis: No Proven Cures

17 Dec

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Summary

No proven treatments exist for severe flu patients in NHS hospitals.
A new 'superflu' strain, H3N2, is causing a dangerous early surge.
Flu vaccines are less effective for the elderly against this strain.

NHS Faces Flu Treatment Crisis: No Proven Cures

The National Health Service (NHS) is grappling with a severe lack of proven treatments for flu patients admitted to hospitals. Professor Sir Peter Horby, who previously identified a COVID-19 treatment, is now leading trials to find effective flu therapies.

The current surge is fueled by a new H3N2 strain, referred to as 'superflu,' which poses a greater risk to older individuals. Despite a record number of flu hospitalisations, existing treatments like Tamiflu lack robust evidence for severe cases, unlike treatments developed for COVID-19.

Vaccine effectiveness against the H3N2 strain is notably lower in individuals over 65, with protection rates significantly reduced compared to younger age groups. Experts are investigating if this new strain and waning immunity post-pandemic are contributing factors to the early and intense flu season.