Overview
- UKHSA says a drifted A(H3N2) subclade K is now the dominant virus, powering an unusually early and intense flu wave.
- NHS data show an average of 1,717 hospital beds occupied by flu patients last week, including 69 in critical care, well above the same period last year.
- Dr Yimmy Chow reports cases rising sharply in London and stresses that vaccines take up to two weeks to reach maximum protection.
- Hospitals are adopting targeted measures, with Whipps Cross providing masks to visitors and staff after local outbreaks and trusts maintaining services while advising symptomatic people to stay home or mask.
- Walk‑in flu jabs are available at hundreds of London sites and pharmacies, while schools in some areas have used short closures and deep cleans during local outbreaks.