Overview
- A(H3N2) subclade K is now the dominant influenza strain in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
- NHS England recorded an average of 1,717 daily hospital flu admissions last week, 56% higher than the same week last year, including 69 patients in critical care.
- Early UKHSA estimates put vaccine effectiveness at about 70–75% against hospital attendance in children aged 2–17 and 30–40% in adults.
- Health leaders are urging people with symptoms to wear masks in public and encouraging eligible groups to get vaccinated promptly, with protection building over up to 14 days.
- Some schools, including Congleton High School in Cheshire, briefly closed for deep cleaning and reinstated infection‑control measures after advice from local health protection teams.