The rapid increase in flu cases in England during the past week suggests the season has begun earlier than usual, according to officials.
After a lull in influenza exposure amid Covid pandemic limitations, people may have minimal immunity to the virus.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that admissions to hospitals and intensive care units for respiratory disease are increasing the most among children under five.
Similarly, hospital costs are rising for the elderly.
It is unclear how large a wave the United Kingdom may experience; overall levels are currently very low.
However, health officials urge everyone eligible for a flu shot to obtain one.
Many nations in the southern hemisphere have just experienced their most severe influenza season in years, and officials have warned that the United Kingdom must also prepare for a large, early flu outbreak.
More than 40 million people, including small children, are offered a flu vaccine in the United Kingdom.
In the fall and winter, persons over the age of 50 and younger adults with health concerns will also be administered a Covid booster shot.
Vaccination can protect people from falling ill.
Both vaccinations are recommended for persons at increased risk for disease, including:
- everyone over 50
- pregnant women
- people with certain underlying health conditions
- care-home residents
- front-line health and social care workers
The UKHSA reports that this year’s flu shot is a good match for the strain of seasonal influenza currently circulating, known as H3N2.
In Australia, which experienced a somewhat severe influenza season over the winter, the vaccine was a good match for that strain. It is the same virus that caused a severe flu season in the United Kingdom in 2017-18.
Dr. Mary Ramsay, UKHSA’s Director of Public Health Programmes, stated: “Our most recent data reveal early indications of the influenza challenge we anticipated to confront this season.
“We are asking parents, in particular, not to be taken off guard, as hospitalization and ICU admission rates for children under the age of five are currently climbing the most rapidly. This will be a concern for many parents and caregivers of young children, and we urge them to accept the offer of vaccination as soon as possible for eligible children.”
The flu is monitored using a variety of methods, including reports from general practitioners and the general population as well as testing conducted in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
In the week ending October 16th, the hospital admission rate for confirmed flu cases was about one per 100,000 individuals, which is higher than in recent years for the middle of October, indicating that flu season has arrived early. Overall, the rate is still quite low. The incidence was highest among young children, followed by those over the age of 85.
In the meantime, cases of Covid in the community and hospitals look steady or decreasing.
Dr. Ramsay said: “We may be already experiencing the benefits of so many individuals in England taking their Covid autumn booster. The most recent data indicates an encouraging decline in the number of Covid cases and hospitalizations over the past week.
“There is no room for complacency, though, as cases could return at any time, and we must be prepared by vaccinating everyone eligible.”
