Overview
- UKHSA reports an unusually early start to flu season with community spread now above baseline levels.
- Latest surveillance shows overall test positivity rising to 8.2% from 6.1%, with 5–14-year-olds at 30.8%.
- Hospitalisation rates in England increased to 2.19 per 100,000 with 247 new admissions, highest among people aged 85+ and elevated in under-fives.
- NHS England says the early rise could lead to a long, drawn-out season and has delivered 12.2 million vaccines so far this autumn.
- Guidance urges eligible people to get vaccinated promptly and advises those with symptoms to stay home, minimise contact, consider face coverings, practice hand hygiene and improve ventilation.