Flu Is Arriving Early in England, the Health Agency Warns
“Flu activity throughout September has been higher than in the same period during all past four winter seasons,” the UK Health Security Agency says, with positive tests, GP consultations and accident and emergency attendances all rising. Levels are still low overall. The rise is being driven by cases among 18 to 24-year-olds.
Two influenza A subtypes are circulating, H1N1 and H3N2, and the vaccine covers both plus influenza B. One caveat is worth carrying rather than burying: the agency notes H1N1 has drifted slightly from the strain used in this year’s jab, and Professor Antonia Ho of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Virus Research says it is too soon to know whether that affects how well it works. Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, who directs the Oxford Vaccine Group, gives the practical instruction: “There is one simple action for all those who are at risk because of age or their underlying health conditions, which is to get vaccinated as soon as possible and before we reach the peak of transmission.” Free vaccination goes to children and higher-risk groups; others can pay about £20 at most high street pharmacies or under £10 on some retailer membership schemes. Last winter’s programme in England is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions and 7,000 deaths. On whether an early season means a bad one, the experts disagree honestly: Professor Ho says an early rise “may indicate a more intense influenza season overall” while noting that “onset timing alone doesn’t determine severity”, and Sir Andrew says an earlier start does not necessarily mean a worse one. Covid levels are also rising.