Overview
- NHS England says an average of 1,717 people were admitted with flu each day last week in England, about 56% higher than the same week last year.
- UKHSA reports a rapidly evolved A(H3N2) subclade K now dominates circulation, with lab positivity and emergency attendances rising to medium levels.
- Preliminary UKHSA estimates indicate vaccine effectiveness of roughly 70–75% in children and 30–40% in adults at preventing hospital attendance.
- NHS and UKHSA are urging eligible people to get vaccinated and to follow measures such as covering mouth and nose, staying home when ill, and using masks where advised.
- London leaders warn of record flu activity with no peak yet in sight, low uptake among some NHS staff and schoolchildren persists, and at least one trust has declared a critical incident.