Summary
The flu season in 2025 started earlier than usual, leading to a 55% increase in hospitalizations within a week in England. The UK's NHS has warned of up to 8,000 hospital beds being potentially taken by flu patients, and young people are being affected the most. The flu virus has changed slightly, leading to less immunity in the population, and health authorities urge those eligible to get vaccinated.
Key Facts
- Hospital flu cases in England increased by 55% in one week.
- Between 5,000 and 8,000 hospital beds might be filled with flu patients soon.
- The flu season began a month earlier than in the past three years.
- The main flu virus circulating has a new genetic makeup, called H3N2.
- This version of the flu is easier to spread because many people lack immunity to it.
- Children and young people are currently showing higher rates of flu infection.
- Schools are reintroducing Covid-like measures to reduce the spread.
- Elderly people are more vulnerable and could be infected by younger family members.
- The flu vaccine is recommended and thought to offer good protection against severe flu cases.
