Flu cases in England are running higher than usual for this time of year, according to health officials. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said early signs suggest the flu season could be starting earlier than normal, with September cases exceeding those recorded in the same month over the past four years.
Positivity rate rises to 6.5%
Latest UKHSA data shows flu positivity in England rose to 6.5 per cent in the week from September 28 to October 4, up from five per cent the previous week. While overall flu cases remain relatively low, officials said the upward trend could indicate an earlier-than-usual start to the season. The rise so far has been driven by cases among young people aged 18 to 24, according to UKHSA data.
'Drifted' H1N1 strain detected
The UKHSA has also confirmed that one of this season's flu strains — influenza A(H1N1) — has drifted from the strain used in the flu vaccine. It said it is too early to know whether the drifted strain will spread widely in the UK or how this could affect vaccine effectiveness. Despite the change, the UKHSA said flu jabs are expected to be effective at preventing severe illness, even when current strains do not perfectly match those used to develop them.
Last winter, a drifted H3N2 strain known as "subclade K" emerged after the vaccine was rolled out. Despite this, UKHSA data suggests the jab prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions and 7,000 deaths over the winter. Its analysis found vaccinated children were around 65 to 70 per cent less likely to be hospitalised with flu, while vaccinated adults were around 20 to 30 per cent less likely.
Eligible people urged to get vaccinated
The UKHSA is urging people eligible for a flu vaccine to get vaccinated sooner rather than later, as it takes a couple of weeks for full protection to develop. The NHS has also urged people across Greater Manchester to take up eligible winter vaccinations, warning that flu, COVID-19 and RSV can cause serious illness, particularly among older people, pregnant women, babies and those with certain long-term health conditions.
People can check their eligibility and book an appointment through the NHS App, online, or by contacting their GP practice or a local pharmacy. Most school-aged children receive their flu vaccines through school immunisation teams.
Dr Manisha Kumar, chief clinical officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said: "Winter can be a challenging time for our NHS, but there are simple things we can all do to help protect ourselves and those around us.
"If you are eligible for a winter vaccination, please take up the offer. Flu, Covid-19 and RSV can all cause serious illness, particularly for people who are more vulnerable, and vaccination is one of the best ways to reduce that risk.
"RSV is perhaps less familiar to people, but it can cause serious illness, particularly in babies and older adults. If you are pregnant or eligible for an RSV vaccination because of your age or health, please make sure you take up the offer.
"Taking these small steps can help keep you and your loved ones well and help reduce pressure on NHS services during the colder months."
The NHS also recommends washing hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, letting fresh air into indoor spaces where possible, and staying home and avoiding close contact with others when unwell.
