Flu is circulating at higher levels than usual for early autumn, according to the UK Health Security Agency. In its first weekly winter respiratory virus report of the season, the agency said influenza was at baseline levels but trending upwards since August, and there are hints that the season could arrive sooner than normal.
Key points
- Flu — positivity rose to 6.5% from 5% the previous week, with hospitalisations at 1.97 per 100,000.
- Covid — activity increased but remains low, with positivity at 9.1% and hospitalisations at 2.04 per 100,000.
- Vaccines — this year's jabs cover all three main flu types and the autumn Covid vaccine is designed for current strains.
- Rhinovirus — the common cold virus has begun to fall after a steep recent rise.
Young adults are driving the current flu increases, the UKHSA said. It also noted that a flu A(H1N1) virus detected at low levels in Europe and recently in the UK has drifted from the strain used in this year's vaccine. Last winter a drifted A(H3N2) virus dominated, but jabs still provided good protection against severe illness. Modelling suggested the vaccination programme prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions and 7,000 deaths in England last winter.
Covid-19 is also on the rise, though from a low base. The strains in circulation, including XFG, are closely related to ones seen for more than a year, and there is no evidence they cause more serious illness or spread faster. The autumn Covid vaccine has been updated to match them.
"Flu levels are increasing with the possibility of an early flu season so now is the time for those eligible to get vaccinated," said Dr Jamie LopezBernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA.
Dr Alex Allen, also a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said Covid cases remain low and urged those eligible to get the vaccine. RSV is at baseline levels with very little virus circulating, while rhinovirus, the common cold, has started to decline after a sharp rise.
What it means in practice
If you are offered a flu or Covid jab because of your age or health, the early signs of a busy season make it worth booking now rather than waiting. The vaccine is free on the NHS for eligible groups.
- Check your eligibility — flu and Covid vaccines are available to older adults, pregnant women, carers and people with certain health conditions.
- Book early — GP surgeries and pharmacies are already offering appointments; slots may fill quickly if flu rises further.
- Keep good habits — handwashing and staying home when unwell still help reduce spread, especially with colds also about.
