Hospital admissions for flu are currently up 56% across the country compared with the same week last year, and the UK Health Security Agency have predicted that next week some 8,000 patients in England could be in hospital with the virus.
Despite a surging number of cases, experts have warned there is no peak in sight.
The number of people in hospital with flu in England is more than 50% higher than this point last year (Jeff Moore/PA)
PA Wire
Londoners have been warned that the city’s significantly low vaccination rates are particularly concerning, contributing to a tripling of flu hospitalisations in the city.
But what exactly is the new H3N2 strain, and what makes it so dangerous?
What are the symptoms, and what are the best ways of avoiding catching it? Here, we tell you everything you need to know.
H3N2 is a ‘drifted’ influenza strain which is currently the most dominant strain in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The H3N2 subtype is one of three main viruses that cause seasonal flu, and the letters and numbers in its name refer to the virus’s surface proteins, haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
H3N2 still presents with similar symptoms to seasonal flu, such as a fever, cough, muscle aches, fatigue, and vomiting and diarrhoea.
People most at risk for developing complications include young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic underlying medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and weakened immune systems.
If otherwise well there is no need to see a GP or attend A&E – but watch out for red flags like difficulty breathing, chest pain, or severe dehydration.
Health bosses are unanimous in saying the most effective way to protect yourself this flu season is to get the flu vaccine.
UKHSA data shows the 2025-2026 vaccine is currently 70 to 75% effective at preventing hospital attendance in children aged two to 17 years, and 30 to 40% effective in adults.
Anyone over the age of 65 can get a free flu jab (PA)
PA Wire
Experts say that the jab is safe, widely available in pharmacies, and inexpensive – with millions across the country eligible for a free one. It is thought to achieve maximum protection for an individual after 10-14 days.
Dr Thomas Waite, deputy chief medical officer, said: “Flu can be an unpleasant infection for many and life-threatening for some; vaccination is the best form of defence.
“Early data from the UKHSA shows this year’s vaccine is continuing to provide good protection against flu variants circulating this year. The flu season has started early this year. Now is the time to get vaccinated if you are eligible.”
Dr Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “While we’ve vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season, there are still vulnerable people who haven’t come forward.
“If you’re in one of the eligible groups and you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible – it’s never too late.”
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, strongly encouraged people who have a cough or sneezing to put on a face covering in public places including on public transport.
Mr Elkeles said: “We need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you are in public spaces, including on public transport to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.”
Dr. Fenella Wrigley, Chief Medical Officer for the London Ambulance Service, said: “Flu can make you feel very unwell, but most healthy people recover with rest, fluids and products available at your pharmacy to manage symptoms.
“We need our clinicians to be available to help the people who are more seriously unwell with flu or other conditions.”
How have London hospitals been impacted?
Across the country last week, 1,717 patients were admitted to hospitals each day with the infection.
That is a rise of 56% on the same week last year, according to NHS England, and seven times as high as in 2023, when there was an average of just 243 flu patients a day.
Ambulance crews in the capital are also dealing with a “significantly higher” number of cases as the flu rips through the capital.
There were over 16,500 ambulance handovers last week, an average of 2,363 a day, compared to last year when the figures were 15,500 handovers, or around 2,200 on average a day.
Professor Julian Redhead, National director for urgent and emergency care, said the figures confirmed the NHS’s concerns that the health service was bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter, with cases “incredibly high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet”.
“The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite that we know that ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes may stretch our staff close to breaking point in the coming weeks,” he said.
Are there any school closures in London?
Schools across the country have closed due to outbreaks, with St Martin’s school in Caerphilly, South Wales forced to lockdown after 250 pupils and staff fell ill.
There are not yet any reports of any schools in London closing.
Dr William Welfare, UKHSA’s director of health protection, said that while outbreaks of flu in schools are not uncommon, closures are rare.
“School closures due to outbreaks are rare and are a decision for the head teacher based on a number of factors, including staff sickness, any possible safety issues, the numbers of more vulnerable children, and whether part or all of the school needs to be closed so that any necessary health protection measures such as deep cleaning can be carried out,” he said.
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