'Slightly ominous’ sign that England could be set for an early flu season
Health officials in England have warned of an early flu season, noting that hospital admissions for respiratory viruses are higher than in previous years. While current levels remain low, the NHS is concerned about the combined pressure of flu and rising Covid-19 cases on an already strained healthcare system.
Why it matters
Early indicators of a severe flu season can help healthcare systems prepare for winter surges and encourage public uptake of preventative vaccinations.
While levels of flu are currently low, figures from September have been higher than the same period for the last four years
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England could be set for an early flu season with hospital admissions at a “high” level for this time of year, according to health officials.
The NHS National Medical Director, Professor Frankie Swords, warned there were “slightly ominous” signs of winter pressure for the health service.
While levels of flu are currently low, figures from September have been higher than the same period for the last four years, according to the first weekly winter respiratory virus surveillance report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Trends have been rising since August, with increases being driven by young adults.
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