UK a ‘long way from end of flu season’, expert warns as he reveals why older people are more susceptible to this year’s outbreak
Why Britain is ‘a long way from the end of the flu season’
- Leading epidemiologists warn that Britain is "a long way from the end of the flu season," with rates "stubbornly stable" among over-85s despite an overall decline.
- The H3N2 flu strain, specifically Subclade K viruses, is particularly affecting older adults as they have less natural immunity to it.
- Hospital admissions for flu have increased in the first week of January, primarily impacting the over-85 age group, who are most vulnerable.
- Experts anticipate a further rise in flu cases due to cold weather and the return to school and work after the Christmas break.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms that flu vaccines are effective against this year's dominant strain, and eligible individuals are urged to get vaccinated.