What is Aussie Flu?

It’s no secret the UK is suffering from an outbreak of the flu. What’s less clear, however, is exactly what that flu is. Recent NHS reports state that the UK is suffering from a crisis, with the so-called Aussie-flu to blame. So, what is it and how does it differ to the flu we’ve come to despise?

Aussie by name, but not by nature

Firstly, it might be worth clearing up what ‘flu’ is. The Flu virus, short for influenza, is a name given to four very closely related viruses. Influenza A, B, C and D all fall under this bracket with influenza A and B posing the greatest health risks.

So-called Aussie flu is an example of influenza A. Aussie flu has picked up its name from the detrimental affect it had on Australian in 2017 – but this doesn’t necessarily mean that it originated in Australia.

Medically recognised as H3N2, the virus hit Australia so hard it was the worst outbreak of the flu in nearly a decade. Now on English soil, the case of Aussie flu is thought to be part of the worst British flu outbreak in seven years.

What happens when you have it?

Like any virus, Aussie flu begins to show symptoms once it has been contracted. The symptoms are very similar to those of normal flu too. Symptoms such as a fever, muscle aches, sore throat and headaches are common. In Aussie flu, however, the symptoms seem to be more severe than usual. There have also been complaints of joint pain and severe fatigue.

These symptoms alone aren’t what pose the potentially fatal risk though. The virus can lead to other complications like pneumonia or can trigger underlying heart and lung problems. This is when cases can become serious.

Can it be prevented?

In the UK, flu vaccinations are offered for free to those who are considered to be at greater risk. This includes people over 65, pregnant women and young children. Although the vaccine has helped to prevent 60% of flu cases, it is still not 100% effective.

In order to make a flu vaccine, scientists must decide which strains are most likely to be around months before the flu season is even here. And due to the flu virus constantly changing, it’s almost impossible with today’s technology to create vaccine that is 100% suited to each virus, despite serious advances in the speed and sensitivity of drug screening.

This is what happened with the H3N2 virus, as the vaccination made for the 2017 flu case was not as effective as hoped. However - it still fights the virus better than the body’s normal reaction. 

Is there hope for the future?

Scientists are currently working towards a universal flu vaccine, where every strain can be prevented through a single vaccine. But until then, you can reduce the chances of contracting the virus by washing your hands regularly and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue and then binning it.