Overview
- At least 27 of 38 countries in the WHO European region report high or very high flu activity, with A(H3N2) subclade K accounting for up to 90% of confirmed cases and the season starting about four weeks early.
- NHS England recorded an average of 2,660 flu inpatients per day in the first week of December, a 55% weekly jump and the highest for this point in the year, prompting warnings of a potential worst‑case winter scenario.
- Canadian surveillance shows rapid growth in influenza A and H3N2 cases, including three flu‑related deaths in children aged 5 to 9 in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario and unusually high pediatric pressure at CHEO.
- U.S. clinicians report rising influenza activity with more emergency visits for respiratory illness, as public health agencies track the subclade K spread across the Northern Hemisphere.
- Health authorities urge people to get vaccinated and follow basic measures—stay home when ill, wear a mask with respiratory symptoms or in crowded settings, improve ventilation, and practice hand hygiene—noting vaccines still lower the risk of severe outcomes even if infections occur.