mutant H3N2 Flu Strain Overwhelms UK Hospitals with Surge in Bile vomiting Cases
London, UK – November 28, 2023 – A highly mutated strain of the H3N2 influenza virus is causing a dramatic surge in hospital admissions across Great Britain, with a notably alarming symptom: repeated vomiting of yellowish bile. Infection rates are currently three times higher than typically seen for November, prompting warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that this flu season is unfolding at an unusually rapid pace.
Hospital admissions linked to H3N2 have nearly doubled in the past week, rising from 2.4 to 3.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. Children and young people are being disproportionately affected, with admission numbers normally reserved for early December already being reached.
Scientists have identified seven genetic mutations in the H3N2 strain that emerged over the summer as the cause of the increased severity and unusual symptom. Dr. Simon clarke from the University of Reading explained to the Daily Mail that the vomiting of bile occurs as “someone is empty… vomits.” He further noted the mutations are impacting appetite more substantially than typical flu strains, leading to patients losing their desire to eat and subsequently vomiting bile due to an empty stomach.
Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia clarified that the phenomenon, often mistakenly called “stomach flu,” is a genuine flu symptom exacerbated by inflammation of the stomach lining when the body has nothing else to expel during vomiting. Virologists believe the genetic changes have also made the virus exceptionally contagious.
Alongside the distinctive bile vomiting, patients are experiencing sudden muscle pain, high fever, extreme fatigue, and a dry cough, frequently enough requiring complete bed rest. Professor Stephen Griffin from the University of Leeds strongly advises those affected to prioritize hydration. “Drink lots of water, even if it comes back up – you will absorb some of it,” he stated.
The unusually early outbreak prompted the UK health authorities to urge vaccinations for at-risk groups – including those over 65, pregnant women, and medical personnel – beginning in September. However, the vaccine composition was resolute in February, before the sevenfold mutation of the H3N2 strain was detected in June. experts emphasize that while the current vaccine doesn’t offer complete protection against the new variant, immunization remains crucial in mitigating severe illness.Currently, infection rates are highest among children and adolescents.
