The UK is bracing for what could be its worst flu season on record, as a troublesome mutant strain fuels a dramatic spike in infections and hospital admissions. Health chiefs are now urging the public to consider wearing masks again to curb the spread, amid fears that simultaneous outbreaks of multiple viruses could overwhelm the NHS.
Sharp Rise in Cases and Hospital Admissions
The latest surveillance data paints a concerning picture. In England, flu hospitalisations rose by over a third in just one week, jumping from 3.39 to 4.56 per 100,000 people. Confirmed flu infections also increased slightly, from 10.7% to 11.6%.
The situation is equally stark in Scotland, where laboratory-confirmed flu cases surged by 45% in a week, rising from 555 to 805. The infection rate there now stands at 14.5 per 100,000 people. Public Health Scotland reports that all age groups are now affected at levels not typically seen at this time of year, with the rise largely driven by a spike among school-aged children.
The pressure is being felt on emergency services too. The London Ambulance Service reported its three busiest days of the year in a row, with a 20% increase in calls. Many of these were related to breathing difficulties caused by viral infections.
The 'Nastier' H3N2 Strain and Co-infection Fears
Experts point to a dominant and problematic strain of influenza A(H3N2) as the primary driver of the severe season. Professor Nicola Lewis, Director of the World Influenza Centre at the Francis Crick Institute, stated: "We haven't seen a virus like this for a while... H3 is always a hotter virus, it's a nastier virus, it's more impactful on the population." Anecdotal reports suggest this strain can cause more severe body aches, diarrhoea, and sudden onset of symptoms.
Virologists are particularly worried about the risk of co-infections, where individuals catch more than one virus simultaneously. The so-called 'quad-demic' of flu, Covid-19, norovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a significant threat, potentially worsening symptoms and piling pressure on health services.
Dr Simon Clarke from the University of Reading explained the difficulty in distinguishing between these illnesses: "Because the symptoms can be similar, it can be very difficult to distinguish between the different viruses without proper testing." Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia echoed this, noting that clinical differentiation is often not reliable.
Public Health Guidance and a High-Profile Incident
In response to the escalating situation, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued updated guidance. Health chiefs are now advising people to consider wearing a well-fitting face covering in crowded or enclosed spaces, or when coming into close contact with those at higher risk. "Vaccines remain our best defence," they emphasised, urging all eligible individuals to get their flu and Covid-19 jabs as soon as possible.
The very real impact of these circulating viruses was highlighted by a concerning incident involving ITV sports presenter Laura Woods. The 38-year-old collapsed live on air during coverage of an England women's football match. She later confirmed on Instagram that paramedics believed her collapse was "probably a virus" and advised rest and hydration. While she did not specify which virus, the event underscored how these infections can strike suddenly and severely.
With the festive period in full swing, experts are urging caution. Professor Lewis summarised the mood: "It does concern me, absolutely. I'm not panicking, but I am worried." The public is advised to practice good hygiene, get vaccinated, and consider mask-wearing in high-risk settings to protect themselves and the already stretched National Health Service.
