By Leslie D. Soule
A superflu is spreading in the UK, causing mask mandates to return to some hospitals. Additionally, some schools are implementing “firebreak lockdowns” in an attempt to curb virus spread.
This particular strain of influenza has been named H3N2, named after the virus’s surface proteins, which are haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). London health officials are reporting an average of 260 individuals in hospital beds, as opposed to an average of 89 at this same time last year. Changes made at UK schools currently include closings for deep cleaning and cancelling assemblies and mass-singing events. The London Ambulance Service is reporting an increase of 13,000 calls over their volume at this time last year.
This event is causing tension between the British government and the British Medical Association (BMA), which is currently seeing its members strike. Junior doctors – known as Resident doctors – are currently demanding a 26% pay raise in addition to the pay increase of 28.9% given in the past two years. Ministers have stated that they will not be swayed on the issue of a pay increase. The Secretary of Health is offering to offer training costs and increase jobs by 2,000. The BMA strike will begin on December 17th, and will mark the 14th strike by the doctors’ union since March of 2023. It is expected to cause significant disruption, particularly in hospitals.
The NHS (National Health Service) is opposed to the strike, with Health Secretary Wes Streeting stating that the BMA is acting like a cartel and that its actions are endangering the future of the NHS.
One school that implemented the “firebreak lockdown” strategy is St. Martin’s in Caerphilly, South Wales, after 250 pupils and staff reported illnesses. The school closed temporarily for a deep cleaning. Congleton High School in Cheshire shut down for three days after students suffered flu-like symptoms. They also used the deep-clean strategy before reopening. Danesfield Middle School in Williton, Somerset, closed last month due to a norovirus outbreak, and also deep-cleaned their facility before reopening.
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