Overview
- UK health data show a 55% week‑over‑week rise in cases with an average of 2,660 patients hospitalized daily, prompting warnings of an unprecedented wave and appeals to call off a five‑day doctors’ strike.
- Santé publique France confirms the country entered the epidemic phase in early December, with 22% test positivity and the highest circulation in school‑age children and preschoolers.
- Limited sequencing indicates sub‑clade K (J.2.4.1) now accounts for nearly 70% of A(H3N2) detections in France, aligning with reports of rapid spread across Europe.
- The WHO reports no clear evidence of greater intrinsic severity for this strain, but notes increased transmissibility and signs of partial immune escape.
- Authorities urge vaccination and basic precautions such as masking when symptomatic, ventilation, and hand hygiene, citing maintained protection against hospitalization, especially in children.