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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has today warned of a significant rise in flu levels across the country, urging anyone displaying symptoms to stay at home. The latest figures released this afternoon reveal that over 30 per cent of hospital tests for the illness have returned positive results. The agency's most recent surveillance report, published this afternoon, indicates an 'early start' to the flu season, with a 'sharp increase in activity among children', as well as rises among other age groups within the wider community. In light of these findings, the UKHSA is advising everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, or those with certain long-term health conditions to arrange their flu vaccination appointment as soon as possible. Parents are also being reminded to return consent forms to schools, or to book an appointment for 2 to 3 year olds, to ensure their child receives the flu vaccine. The new data shows a marked increase in influenza activity, particularly among children and other demographic groups, with levels now exceeding the baseline. Health officials have reported an increase in flu positivity, with a weekly mean positivity rate of 8.2%, up from 6.1% the previous week. Among those aged 5 to 14, the positivity rate was 30.8%, compared to 20.0% last week - these figures are based on the percentage of people testing positive for the virus in hospital. Flu hospitalisations have seen an increase from 1.74 per 100,000 to 2.19 per 100,000, with a total of 247 new hospitalisations this week. The weekly rate of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) consultations at General Practice (GP) has also risen slightly to 6 per 100,000 from 5.6 per 100,000 in the previous week. "If you're eligible for a vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness – every year we see many thousands end up in hospital and far too many deaths from flu. It's crucial that everyone eligible books their appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is our best defence. "Parents should return school consent forms or arrange GP appointments for 2 to 3 year olds. The nasal spray vaccine can help stop your child from getting very unwell and reduce the risk of passing flu to vulnerable family members. "Anyone with flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy, should minimise contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, wash hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated." Flu, a viral infection impacting the nose, throat, and lungs, is particularly prevalent during the winter months. It's far more severe than a common cold, which typically results in a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and an irritated throat. Unlike cold symptoms, which tend to develop gradually without causing fever or body aches, flu symptoms appear rapidly and often include extreme fatigue. The flu can lead to serious illness, particularly in children, resulting in thousands of hospitalisations each winter. Those at higher risk include older individuals, those with compromised immune systems, and people with certain long-term health conditions. Last winter saw approximately 8,000 deaths linked to the flu - a figure higher than the roughly 3,500 deaths recorded the previous year, but lower than the 2022 to 2023 season, which saw around 16,000 deaths. Last year's flu vaccine proved significantly effective in reducing severe illness for those who availed of it. The impact ranged from nearly a 40% reduction in hospitalisations among those aged 65 and over, to a 75% reduction in those aged between 2 and 17 years Many people are eligible for the flu vaccine including: .
