Flu arrives early in England as cases rise above expected levels

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 10:14 · Archive

England is experiencing an earlier-than-usual flu season, with emergency-department attendances above seasonal expectations in September.

Flu is arriving earlier than usual in England, with the UK Health Security Agency reporting that activity throughout September was higher than in the same period during the past four winter seasons. Emergency-department attendances for influenza-like illness are above seasonally expected levels, and various metrics including positive tests and GP consultations for flu-like illness suggest the virus is on the rise.

The NHS recorded its "busiest September ever" for A&E visits at 2.44 million, with staff warning of "ominous" signs of winter pressure building. The UKHSA said increases in flu are largely being driven by young adults and children returning to school, with the virus circulating in the UK since mid-August. Current flu levels remain low overall, but trends have been rising since August.

Experts urge those eligible for free flu vaccination to get vaccinated immediately. Prof Sir Andrew Pollard, director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, said vaccination is "one simple action" for those at risk due to age or underlying health conditions. Free vaccines are available on the NHS for children and higher-risk groups, while private vaccines cost around £20 at most high street pharmacies. Pollard noted that an earlier flu season did not necessarily mean a worse one.

How it is being reported

• Flu striking earlier than usual in England as health officials warn of 'ominous' winterInfluenza infections are appearing earlier than anticipated across England this year, with health surveillance data revealing an unusual pattern of autumn activity. The UK Health Security Agency has determined September recorded greater flu activity than during the corresponding timeframe in each of the previous four winter seasons. Although overall flu prevalence remains at modest levels, multiple indicators point towards an upward trajectory that commenced in August. These measurements encompass the rate of positive test results, general practitioner appointments for influenza-like…GB News · 12 Oct, 11:16
• Flu's Striking Early This Year – The Symptoms You Need To Look Out ForThe UK is witnessing an earlier flu season than normal, following reports that parts of the United States is also seeing an early start to the season. The NHS said it just witnessed its “busiest September ever” for patients attending A&E (2.44 million visits). Professor Frankie Swords, NHS England’s national medical director, has warned that staff are seeing “ominous” signs of winter pressure already building and said more patients are heading to A&E with flu and other respiratory viruses than usual for this time of year. Flu typically circulates later in the year, peaking in December, but…HuffPost UK · 12 Oct, 09:57
• Flu season arrives earlier than usual in England, experts sayUK Health Security Agency notes above-average flu activity in September and urges at-risk groups to get vaccinated Flu is striking earlier than usual in England, experts have said, insisting that vaccination is the best way to blunt its impact. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), flu is at low levels, but various metrics , such as the proportion of positive tests and GP consultations for influenza-like illness, suggest it is on the rise, with the number of emergency-department attendances for influenza-like illness above seasonally expected levels. Continue reading...The Guardian · 11 Oct, 14:32

In this story: UK Health Security Agency · NHS · Oxford Vaccine Group · England · University of Glasgow

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem