Beware the new ‘super flu’ that leaves sufferers with ‘brains like porridge’ and ‘passed out on bathroom floors’
CASES of a "super flu"; that leaves sufferers with "brains like porridge" are soaring, officials data suggests.
In England, suspected cases of the bug climbed to 1,178 in the week ending December 10, more than triple the 370 confirmed a fortnight ago.
Flu cases began rising significantly in October but still appear lower than last year, according to suspected cases from the notification of infectious diseases data (NOID) report.
Around 402 patients were in hospital with flu last week, up two-thirds on the 243 the previous week and more than double the 153 a fortnight ago, NHS data shows.
People suffering from the viral infection have warned it feels like the "worst flu [they have] ever had".
However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest flu circulating this season is any worse than previous bouts.
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Sufferers have taken to social media to share how they have been left sickened by the virus.
One X user, Abdul Hadi, said: "There's so much flu in my body that sometimes I think that all the mucus will leak through my ears and eyes and I'll drown."
Another, named Michael, said: "I stayed home with serious flu symptoms, and then my daughter found me in the bathroom unresponsive."
A user from Manchester said: "I’ve started throwing up every 20 minutes and struggling to keep down fluids or food.
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"I went to A&E and they fobbed me off and said I’ve got either the flu or a bad cold and sent me home; I’ve had the flu plenty of times and never felt this bad."
And Cass, from London, added: "Day two of being ill with the worst flu-like thing I’ve ever had."
Jay, another user, described feeling like "death warmed up", while Cath said the illness has left her with a "brain like porridge".
Most people get through the flu with rest and some painkillers, but for some, it can leave them seriously unwell.
The bug spreads through germs released in the air by coughs and sneezes.
According to the NHS, these germs can live on hands or surfaces infected people touch for up to 24 hours.
And once the bug has infected you, symptoms come on quickly.
What symptoms does the flu cause?
If you have flu, you'll probably get a combination of the following symptoms quite suddenly:
- A sudden high temperature of 38C or above
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
As for children, they might also get ear pain and appear less active, according to the NHS.
If you're unsure whether you're suffering from a cold or the flu, there are a few ways to tell the difference other than how quickly symptoms develop.
A cold will typically only affect your nose and throat, whereas the flu can also be felt in other parts of your body, causing sickness, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, and aches and pains.
Flu can stop you from carrying on your day as normal, whereas you can get on with most of your usual activities with a cold.
The NHS says the best way to feel better is to get plenty of rest, stay warm, take paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drink plenty of water.
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A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies.
But remember, don't take paracetamol and flu remedies that contain paracetamol at the same time as it's easy to take more than the recommended dose.