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The NHS has issued a warning that hospitals are bracing for an "unprecedented" influx of flu admissions this winter, with forecasts suggesting up to 8,000 beds could soon be filled by virus patients. As the number of cases increases, eligible individuals are being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. ‌

The recent spike in infections is attributed to a "drifted" or mutated strain from the H3N2 family, known to cause more severe illness, especially in older adults. However, the UKHSA's rapid assessment indicates that the current flu vaccines are still offering good protection against this circulating strain. ‌

The symptoms caused by the H3N2 strain are believed to be similar to other strains. The NHS lists the following as flu symptoms: ‌

High temperature

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