Overview
- NHS England reports an average of 1,717 flu patients in hospital beds each day last week, 56% higher than the same week in 2024 and roughly ten times 2023 levels.
- UKHSA says a drifted influenza A(H3N2) subclade K is dominating, with faster evolution likely lowering population immunity.
- The NHS urged people to stay home when unwell and to cover coughs, as NHS Providers chief Daniel Elkeles asked those with symptoms to wear masks in public and at work.
- University Hospitals Birmingham declared a critical incident due to overcrowded emergency departments and long waits, and several trusts report intense pressure.
- Early UKHSA estimates show the vaccine is providing strong protection in children and moderate protection in adults, but uptake remains uneven including low rates among NHS staff and in London; some schools have closed temporarily due to outbreaks.