Flu arrives early this winter with a mutated strain; vaccines urged

Flu has arrived earlier than usual this winter, driven by a mutated version of the virus. Health authorities say the circulating strain is an H3N2 subclade K. While the label is not a medical term for greater severity, experts say limited prior exposure has left many communities with lower immunity. The NHS has launched vaccination campaigns urging eligible people to get their free vaccine and many adults are weighing whether to pay for a jab if they are otherwise healthy.

In England, early December hospital admissions reached a record high for this point in the season, with an average of 2,660 flu patients in hospital per day, a rise of 55% on the previous week. The pace has since slowed, with the latest data showing about 3,140 patients in hospital last week, up 18% from the seven days prior. Some regions, including the East of England and the South West, continue to see larger surges, while flu activity is rising in Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, Public Health Scotland reported 912 patients in hospital with flu in the week to 14 December, down from 1,039 the week before. The total number of flu cases has fallen to 1,918 from 2,410, but the number of flu-related deaths rose to 67 as the underlying cause.

Health officials caution the season is not predictable, and the NHS national medical director has warned that the health service is not out of the woods yet. The combination of winter viruses and ongoing resident doctor strikes, plus ongoing social mixing around Christmas and New Year, means hospitals will likely remain on high alert as the period of highest transmission approaches.

Who should get the free flu vaccine? The NHS offers free vaccination to those most at risk: people aged 65 and over; individuals with certain long-term health conditions; pregnant women; care home residents; carers for older or disabled people or those who receive a carer’s allowance; and people living with someone with a weakened immune system. Frontline health and social care workers can receive the vaccine through their employer. A nasal spray version is offered to children aged 2 to 3 years and to school-aged children from reception through year 11. The vaccine is readily available through GP surgeries and vaccination sites, with eligible people able to book online. Most people who are not eligible for free vaccination must pay privately; high street pharmacies typically charge around £20 for a jab. The DHSC says there is no national shortage of vaccine for those who need it most, and NHS vaccination delivery remains strong, with about 18 million doses delivered this autumn, 306,000 more than at the same point in 2024. If you choose to buy privately, stock may vary by supplier.

How effective is the flu jab and when does it start working? The vaccine targets the strains expected to be circulating this season and usually takes about 14 days to take full effect. During this window, you can still catch flu. Some people associate the shot with getting the flu, but vaccines do not cause flu; they prompt your immune system to respond. Even if you become ill after vaccination, symptoms are often milder and shorter than in unvaccinated cases. Protection tends to wane over time, which is why the shot is updated annually to match evolving strains.

Should people wear a face mask? Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the government is not changing its guidance on masks. The policy relies on personal choice, but officials note that people with flu-like symptoms should consider wearing a mask to reduce spread. Some hospitals are asking visitors to wear masks during periods of high transmission.

Is it a cold, 'super flu' or Covid? What are the symptoms and when should you seek medical help? Colds typically begin gradually and affect the nose and throat with milder symptoms. Flu appears suddenly, often with fever, muscle aches, exhaustion, and a dry cough, and may require bed rest for a few days to two weeks. Covid can also present with loss of taste or smell. Because symptoms overlap, the first step is to check severity and duration. If you feel unwell and unable to manage at home, contact NHS 111 or your GP. Seek urgent care if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or severe dehydration.

How to protect yourself and others? If you must meet people indoors, open a window to improve ventilation, wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes, and clean commonly touched surfaces. If you are unwell but need to go out, wear a mask and limit close contact. Getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to reduce risk of severe illness.