Schools across the UK have introduced temporary closures and other measures to contain a highly infectious mutated influenza A (H3N2) strain, known as “subclade K.” Several schools, including St Martin’s in Caerphilly and Congleton High in Cheshire, shut for deep cleaning, while others reduced activities such as singing assemblies to limit transmission. The outbreak has contributed to a record flu-related hospital occupancy for this time of year, averaging 1,717 patients daily in late November. Pupils and staff have reported symptoms ranging from high temperatures to vomiting and fatigue, with some schools describing the situation as reminiscent of Covid-era disruption.
