Overview
- NHS data show an average of 3,140 patients in hospital with flu each day last week, an 18% week‑on‑week rise and the highest level recorded at this point in the season.
- The surge is linked in media reporting to a mutated A(H3N2) strain described as a 'super flu', though officials continue to assess trends.
- The NHS is preparing for extra pressure next week as a planned resident doctors’ strike is set to coincide with elevated flu caseloads.
- UKHSA says flu activity shows early signs of stabilising, with COVID-19 circulating at baseline levels and RSV at medium levels with a slight uptick in admissions.
- Health advice urges those with flu or COVID-19 symptoms to limit contact, practice hand hygiene and ventilation, consider face coverings if going out, and get vaccinated if eligible; current COVID variants include XFG (Stratus) and NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus).