Flu cases rise to highest levels in four years as NHS urges vaccination

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 12:00 · Archive

Flu cases in the UK have reached their highest levels for four years, prompting NHS warnings of an early flu season.

Flu cases in the UK have reached their highest levels for four years, with a positivity rate of 6.5% in the week to 4 October, up from 5% the previous week. Flu activity throughout September was higher than in the same period during the past four winters, indicating the UK may see an early flu season. Hospital pressures are already building, with A&E attendances for flu above seasonally expected levels and bed occupancy at 90% in September.

Professor Frankie Swords, National Medical Director at NHS England, warned of 'ominous signs of increased pressure' and said flu was at the 'highest levels we've seen' by this date. The rise in cases is being driven largely by 18 to 24-year-olds, including those returning to university. One of the key flu A(H1N1) strains has 'drifted' compared to the virus component used in this year's flu vaccine, according to a World Health Organization technical report.

The NHS is urging people to get vaccinated 'sooner rather than later' rather than delaying until winter, as it takes a couple of weeks for the vaccine to provide full protection. Given the earlier-than-usual rise in flu activity, officials warn that waiting increases exposure to the virus.

How it is being reported

• NHS ‘don’t wait’ warning for households as early flu season explodesThe NHS's top doctor has warned of "ominous" signs ahead of winter.Daily Express · 10 Oct, 11:41
• Key strain of flu detected in UK 'mutates' as NHS warns of 'ominous' signsFlu is at the ‘highest levels we’ve seen’ by this date as people urged to get vaccinatedThe Mirror · 8 Oct, 14:47

In this story: NHS England · UK Health Security Agency · World Health Organization · Frankie Swords · United Kingdom

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