Overview
- UKHSA data for the week ending December 21 show flu hospitalisations down to 7.8 per 100,000 from 10.0, offering some respite for the NHS over the festive period.
- Flu test positivity fell to a weekly average of 17.2% from 21.1% the previous week.
- Admission rates remain highest among people aged 85 and over at 47.0 per 100,000, down from 64.5 week on week.
- Officials report admissions have fallen across all age groups but say influenza is still circulating and could bounce back in the new year.
- Public guidance urges eligible people to get vaccinated, minimise contact when symptomatic, consider face coverings indoors, improve ventilation, and wash hands regularly, with COVID-19 positivity staying low at 1.6% from 1.9%.