Flu infections are increasing in England as a new strain continues to cause outbreaks particularly among children.

Data on the H3N2 strain from Australia shows it has had its worst flu season on record and this is now expected to be the case in Britain as we head into our winter. Swab samples sent by the NHS to laboratories showed the flu positivity rate increased to 11.6%, up from 10.7% the previous week.

UKHSA data shows last week the overall weekly hospital admission rate for flu increased to 4.56 per 100,000 of the population. This was up from 3.39 the previous week.

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Infections are nowhere near the seasonal peak yet but are well ahead of where they typically are at this time of year.

The new flu strain is causing more severe illness even in otherwise healthy people and doctors had warned H3N2 ‘can kill’ because it has mutated to be particularly aggressive. The rate of intensive care admissions for flu was 0.12 per 100,000 last week, compared with 0.10 per 100,000 in the week before.

H3N2 symptoms are generally similar to those of other influenza strains but with a few key differences.

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While many people will experience an unpleasant, but relatively mild illness, experts warn there is a higher risk of deadly complications such as sepsis with this strain. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has warned H3N2 “can kill” in rare cases and has called on parents to give their children the flu vaccine nasal spray.

UKHSA estimates show that deaths from flu in England stood at 7,757 last winter compared to 3,555 the year before. Child deaths involving flu also increased from 34 to 53.

It comes after UKHSA’s early season data showed vaccination remains best defence alongside good respiratory hygiene.

While it won’t necessarily stop people catching flu it is highly effective at preventing serious illness. This season’s vaccine is 70-75% effective at preventing hospital admission in children aged 2 to 17 years and 30-40% effective in adults.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections increased last week and the hospital admission rate was 2.54 per 100,000, compared with 1.77 per 100,000 in the previous week.

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “With less than four weeks until Christmas, when we will see many people mixing more indoors, we’re urging all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu and RSV as soon as possible to ensure they’re protected against severe illness this winter.

“There are also simple steps we can all take to help protect one another ahead of the festive period. If you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms – including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy – you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.

"Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated both help. If you have symptoms and need to go out, consider wearing a face covering.”

All flu virus strains can cause a sudden onset of the following symptoms:

• Fever/chills




• Cough (often dry)




• Sore throat




• Runny or stuffy nose




• Body and muscle aches




• Headache




• Fatigue/weakness

For H3N2 there is a tendency for the fever to be worse. Patients often experience a higher average body temperature and a greater likelihood of a high fever - above 38°C - compared to strains like H1N1.

The main difference is that flu symptoms are more severe and come on more suddenly, including fever, chills, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Cold symptoms are generally milder and tend to develop more slowly, with a runny or stuffy nose being more common. Colds usually don't lead to serious health problems, unlike the flu.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an annual flu vaccine, but you can also prevent infection by practicing good hygiene like washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, and covering your coughs and sneezes.

Other preventative measures include cleaning frequently touched surfaces and avoiding crowded areas when possible.

Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff as well as children.

Parents have been reminded to sign and return consent forms to schools for children in reception to year 11, or to book an appointment at their GP for 2-3-year-olds, to ensure their child gets vaccinated against flu. Pregnant women can also get vaccinated through maternity services.

Covid-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

Eligible adults can book an appointment to get their flu vaccine now via at their local pharmacy via the NHS App, GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or by calling 119.