Overview
- An average of 1,717 patients with flu were in hospital beds in England last week, including 69 in critical care, more than 50% higher than the same point last year.
- NHS leaders warn forecasts suggest up to 8,000 beds could soon be occupied by flu patients if current trends persist.
- Health leaders urge people with symptoms to wear masks and follow hygiene and ventilation advice, with Downing Street saying mask use is something people can consider and UKHSA calling masks a useful tool.
- A drifted A(H3N2) subclade K is now the dominant strain in England and is driving an unusually early surge, with experts saying it is not clearly more virulent but may lead to a tougher season for older adults.
- Schools have temporarily closed for deep cleans and London’s ambulance service reports exceptional call volumes, while authorities stress vaccination now because protection can take up to 14 days to develop.