Flu season hits five weeks early
The UK’s winter flu season has started five weeks earlier than usual, health officials warn.
Britain’s Health Security Agency said cases were rising rapidly among children and young people – and warned the virus would soon start to spread to older age groups.
The organization urged people eligible for the flu vaccine to come forward to protect themselves.
But they said it was too early to tell how difficult and severe this year’s flu season would be.
Two of the worst winter flu seasons in the last decade have been seen in the last three years, which is partly attributed to the rebound of the virus after Covid restrictions and low immunity.
Last year, nearly 8,000 people died from the flu, and during the 2022-2023 flu season, there have been nearly 16,000 deaths.
Dr Suzanna McDonald, head of flu at the UKHSA, said: “We are concerned that flu has started circulating a little earlier than usual.
“It’s a very serious illness. It’s not just a nasty cold.
“We started seeing early activity, particularly in young adults, primarily college-aged students, as well as school-age children.
“We expect this to begin to spread through the community in the coming weeks and this is something we will be monitoring very closely.”
Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, urged everyone eligible to get vaccinated.
Anyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions can benefit from a free flu vaccine on the NHS.
“If you are eligible for the vaccine, it is because you are at greater risk of serious illness: every year we see thousands of people end up in hospital and far too many deaths from the flu.
“It is crucial that everyone eligible makes an appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is our best defense.”
He also reminded parents of children under 16 to bring consent forms to school so their children can be vaccinated, or if they are two or three years old, to arrange a vaccine through their GP.
“The nasal spray vaccine can help prevent your child from getting very sick and reduce the risk of passing the flu to vulnerable family members.
“Anyone experiencing flu or Covid symptoms – including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy – should minimize contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.
“If you must go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, wash your hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated,” he added.
Meanwhile, the UKHSA said Covid cases were falling and the virus was now at baseline levels.
