New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that children and teenagers are at the heart of a rapidly growing flu outbreak.
Kids aged five to 14 are testing positive for the H3N2 strain—also called subclade K—at nearly 46 per cent, up from 43.6 per cent last week.
This early surge, months ahead of the usual peak, is raising alarms just as the festive season approaches.
The NHS is already seeing its “worst-case scenario” play out, with hospital admissions for flu jumping 55 per cent in a single week.
Schools Reintroducing Precautions
Some schools have started reinstating measures reminiscent of the Covid pandemic, introducing hand sanitising stations and limiting close contact where possible.
Every year, thousands of otherwise healthy children are admitted to hospitals with complications from flu, and the elderly remain particularly vulnerable due to weaker immune systems and pre-existing health conditions.
Health officials are especially worried about intergenerational transmission as Christmas draws near, with children likely to spend time with older relatives.
Vaccinations Urged Ahead of the Holidays
Parents are being urged to get their children vaccinated to protect grandparents and other older family members.
Children aged two to 16, as well as 17-year-olds with long-term conditions, can receive a free nasal spray through the NHS.
Adults over 65, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, care home residents, and carers are also eligible.
Others can pay between £15 and £25 at high street pharmacies.
Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, emphasised the urgency: “There is still plenty of flu vaccine available, but time is running out ahead of Christmas.
If your child missed their school vaccination, community clinics are available in the coming weeks.”
Why This Flu Season Is Different
The H3N2 strain emerged unusually early this year, spreading from October and mutating seven times over the summer.
Experts call it subclade K, or the “super flu,” because it evades much of the natural immunity built up in previous years.
This has put older adults at higher risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and even death.
Hospital numbers reflect the strain: 2,660 patients were admitted with influenza and respiratory illnesses last week, up from 1,717 the week before.
Older adults, particularly those over 85, are five times more likely to need hospital care than the general population.
NHS Warns of Rising Pressure
Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of NHS England, warns that patient numbers could exceed 5,000, adding “further strain on an already buckling system.”
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “The numbers in hospital are extremely high for this time of year and continue to rise.
The peak is not yet in sight, so the NHS faces a very challenging few weeks.”
Despite the pressure, vaccination campaigns are proving successful.
More than 17.4 million vaccines have now been administered in England—over 170,000 more than at the same point last year.
Uptake among older adults and care home residents is around 70 per cent, but younger at-risk groups lag behind at just 40 per cent.
Symptoms and How to Stay Safe
Typical H3N2 symptoms mirror seasonal flu: fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.
Symptoms usually appear within one to three days of infection, and while most recover in a week, lingering fatigue and cough can persist.
Experts stress the importance of hygiene and cautious socialising: frequent hand washing, spending time in well-ventilated spaces, and occasionally wearing masks can help reduce spread.
Dr Watson explained, “Flu spreads person-to-person through coughs, sneezes, or even talking, and droplets can remain on hands for up to 24 hours.
Minimising contact when symptomatic is key, especially around vulnerable people.”
The Message for Families
With the festive season approaching, officials are urging families to act quickly.
Vaccination remains the most effective protection, not just for individual health but for shielding older relatives from severe illness.
Public awareness and careful precautions could be the difference between a manageable flu season and a healthcare crisis.
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