Overview
- An NHS winter report shows an average of 1,717 flu patients in hospital in England each day last week, including 69 in critical care, up 56% on the same week in 2024.
- UKHSA reports flu admissions at 7.8 per 100,000 people, with rates highest in those aged 85 and over (40.0), 75–84 (21.4), and children aged four and under (21.2).
- UKHSA confirms A(H3N2) subclade K as the dominant strain driving the early surge this season.
- Early estimates indicate the vaccine reduces hospital attendance by about 70–75% in children and 30–40% in adults, yet uptake remains below WHO targets, with roughly 70% of over-65s vaccinated.
- NHS leaders warn of an ‘unprecedented’ flu wave as resident doctors plan a 17–22 December strike; public guidance urges eligible vaccination, staying home when unwell, and covering nose and mouth to reduce spread.