Overview
- UKHSA data show the flu season started unusually early with cases about three times higher than typical for late October.
- Hospital admissions reached 247 in the latest week, with a marked rise among school‑aged children signaling wider spread risk.
- NHS England chief Sir Jim Mackey warned this winter could feel as tough as the pandemic for hospitals facing prolonged flu pressures.
- The British Medical Association has scheduled a resident doctors’ strike for November 14–19, heightening concerns over A&E capacity.
- The NHS reports delivering more than 12.2 million flu vaccines since September 1 as Age UK flags worsening long waits and corridor care for older patients.