Flu season warning as UK virus levels hit four-year high

Data published by the UK Health Security Agency showed virus activity increased throughout September to levels above the previous four years.

The surveillance report for the week of September 28 to October 4 showed flu swab positivity increased from 5.0 per cent to 6.5 per cent.

Hospital admissions for the virus reached 1.97 per 100,000 people, with increases primarily driven by young adults.

While the virus is circulating at baseline levels, health chiefs noted trends have risen steadily since August.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, warned that people should come forward for protection without delay.

He said: "Flu levels are increasing with the possibility of an early flu season so now is the time for those eligible to get vaccinated.

"The vaccine contains components to help protect against all three types of flu virus.

"We may see one flu virus dominating at different times during winter, or all three circulating at similar levels throughout.

"As we saw with last year’s dominant virus, flu vaccines typically remain effective at preventing severe flu, even when drifted strains are seen."

A recent World Health Organization report flagged a drifted A(H1N1) flu strain detected at low levels in Europe and Britain.

Health officials stressed that vaccines protect against influenza A subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 as well as influenza B, with subtyping data showing an equal mix of the two A subtypes in England.

Last winter, the vaccination programme in England prevented an estimated 100,000 hospital admissions and 7,000 deaths.

The surveillance report also monitored Covid-19, where test positivity rose from 7.9 per cent to 9.1 per cent over the week.

Hospital admissions for Covid-19 reached 2.04 per 100,000 people, though circulating variants such as XFG show no evidence of increased severity.

Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: "While COVID-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK."

The epidemiologist added: "If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised.

"Don’t risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection."

Members of the public who are eligible for a free vaccine can check their status and book appointments through the NHS App, online, or by contacting GP surgeries and local pharmacies.