Overview
- An average of 1,717 flu patients were in hospital in England each day last week, including 69 in critical care, according to NHS winter reports.
- UKHSA says the dominant H3N2 subclade K evolved over the summer, likely lowering prior immunity and accelerating transmission.
- Early UKHSA estimates show this season’s vaccine prevents hospital attendance by roughly 70–75% in children and 30–40% in adults.
- Uptake remains below targets, with about 41% coverage in at‑risk under‑65s and around 70% in those over 65, prompting calls to get vaccinated now.
- NHS leaders warn projections suggest 5,000–8,000 total hospitalisations this winter, as hospitals face staff shortages, discharge backlogs and a five‑day junior doctor strike from 17–22 December, with advice to wear a mask when unwell.