Flu cases begin to stabilise after early start to the season

Flu levels are starting to stabilise following an early start to the flu season and a sharp spike in recent weeks, according to the latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data.

However, it is still circulating at medium levels, and it is ‘too early to say’ whether flu has peaked this season, so UKHSA is encouraging everyone to continue following good hygiene measures and to get vaccinated ahead of Christmas and New Year.

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In previous years, the virus has peaked well into January and February. It is an ‘unpredictable’ virus and ‘flu season is not yet over’, warns UKHSA.

Vaccination helps provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation for those at higher risk, so getting vaccinated can help to protect against flu viruses that may circulate later in the winter months.

Everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, young infants and those certain long term health conditions are all eligible for the flu vaccine.

UKHSA is also encouraging people to wash their hands regularly, ensure that indoor spaces are well ventilates, and stay home where possible if they have symptoms. If someone with the virus needs to go outside, they should consider wearing a face mask.

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This week, the health secretary also suggested making masks mandatory in NHS health and care settings.

Consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, Dr Alex Allen, said: ‘With Christmas just around the corner, it’s reassuring to see that flu levels are now starting to stabilise, but flu is notoriously unpredictable and can bounce back and peak a second time in the new year and so we’re urging people to continue taking sensible steps over the festive period to help stop the spread.’

He urged anyone eligible to make an appointment as soon as possible because vaccination can ‘make all the difference’ in preventing severe illness.

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As of 14 December, 38.6% of under 65s with one or more long term health condition have been vaccinated. A similar proportion (36.5%) of pregnant women has also been vaccinated, while 72.8% of those aged 65 or above had received the flu vaccine.

RSV is circulating at medium levels and although norovirus activity has increased in recent weeks, it remains within expected levels.