Health authorities have warned there is a serious flu outbreak in the UK as new 'super flu' threatens causing a “tidal wave” in the NHS.
H3N2 influenza virus strain was recognized as one of two widespread strains. It is currently the most dominant strain in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Flu cases are also generally on the rise, with an average of 2,660 flu patients in hospitals in England last week – up 55 percent from the previous week, according to National Health Service England.
At this point last year, the number was 1,861 patients, and in 2023 it is just 402.
As cases rise, NHS chiefs have issued a 'flu jab SOS', urging eligible adults to fully protect themselves from the virus.
The number of people hospitalized with flu in England is at a record level for this time of year (PA) (PA Wire)
The vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from fluand is offered at National Health Service every year in autumn or early winter.
What is “super flu”?
It's not the official name of the virus, but the so-called superflu refers to an illness that appears to hit harder and last longer than expected.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), this year's flu season started a month earlier and the drifting strain of influenza A(H3N2), also known as subclade K, is now dominant in England.
Does the flu shot work against the H3N2 strain?
UKHSA data shows this year's vaccine provides good protection against this strain.
How to get a flu shot
Certain eligible groups can receive a free NHS flu vaccine. These are people who:
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you are 65 years of age or older (including those who will turn 65 by March 31, 2026)
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have certain long-term health conditions
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are the primary carer of an elderly or disabled person or receive carer's allowance
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live with someone who has a weakened immune system
The last day a person can get one of these flu jabs is March 31, 2026, but the NHS is advising everyone to get the jab much earlier.
Anyone who is eligible for a flu shot and would like to book a flu shot can: Contact their GP to make an appointment. book at pharmacy online or on the NHS app; or find a pharmacy offering free NHS flu vaccinations.
Additional meetings and pop-up clinics will also be available around the world. England at the end of November. More detailed information can be found on NHS website.
Those who are not eligible for a free NHS jab but still want to get vaccinated can pay for a private service. It is sold in pharmacies such as Boots and Superdrug, usually costing around £20.
Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “Flu can be an unpleasant infection for many and life-threatening for some; Vaccination is the best form of protection.
“Early data from UKHSA shows that this year's vaccine continues to provide good protection against the flu variants circulating this year. This year's flu season started early. Now is the time to get vaccinated if you're eligible.”
Recent data published by UKHSA shows that the vaccine for 2025-26 is now 70-75 per cent effective in preventing hospitalization in children aged 2 to 17 years and 30-40 per cent in adults.
