Flu cases are climbing across the UK, with health experts warning Scotland could face an earlier start to the winter virus season. New figures show influenza activity increased throughout September, reaching levels higher than those recorded at the same time over the previous four years.
Flu activity at four-year high
The latest surveillance report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), covering the week from September 28 to October 4, found the proportion of flu tests returning positive rose from 5 per cent to 6.5 per cent.
A statement published on Gov.UK said: "Flu activity throughout September has been higher than in the same period during all past 4 winter seasons. While still at baseline (very low) levels, flu trends have been rising since August and there are possible signs that we may see an early flu season."
Hospital admissions linked to the virus also increased, reaching 1.97 per 100,000 people, with young adults among those driving the rise.
Vaccination urged as winter approaches
Although flu activity remains at baseline levels, health officials have highlighted a steady upward trend since August, raising concerns about how the virus could spread as winter approaches.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, has urged those eligible for a flu jab to get vaccinated as soon as possible. He said: "Flu levels are increasing with the possibility of an early flu season so now is the time for those eligible to get vaccinated."
He added: "The vaccine contains components to help protect against all three types of flu virus. We may see one flu virus dominating at different times during winter, or all three circulating at similar levels throughout. As we saw with last year’s dominant virus, flu vaccines typically remain effective at preventing severe flu, even when drifted strains are seen."
Covid-19 activity also rising
The warning comes after the World Health Organization identified a changed strain of influenza A(H1N1) circulating at low levels across Europe, including the UK. However, health officials have stressed that flu vaccines are designed to protect against influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2, as well as influenza B.
Testing in England has found an even split between the two influenza A subtypes, emphasising the importance of protection against different forms of the virus.
Alongside flu, Covid-19 activity has also increased, with positive test results rising from 7.9 per cent to 9.1 per cent during the same reporting period. Hospital admissions for Covid-19 reached 2.04 per 100,000 people. However, officials said there was currently no evidence that circulating variants, including XFG, were causing more severe illness.
Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: "While COVID-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK."
He added: "If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised. Don’t risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection."
People in Scotland who qualify for a free flu or Covid-19 vaccination should check the latest guidance from NHS Scotland to find out when and where they can receive their vaccinations. Those eligible can also check their vaccination status and arrange appointments through the NHS App, online or by contacting their GP surgery or local pharmacy.
