Overview
- UK surveillance indicates a drifted H3N2 variant with seven mutations detected in June that appears to partially evade existing immunity.
- The flu season began more than a month early, with UKHSA data showing the highest case rates in children aged 5 to 14.
- Hospital admissions for flu in England have jumped week on week to levels typically seen in December, signaling an unusually rapid start.
- Experts warn this winter could be the worst flu season in a decade, though they stress uncertainty about how the strains will evolve.
- NHS England has made 2.4 million flu vaccine slots available next week and officials urge all eligible groups to book promptly.