Early rise in seasonal flu in England, vaccination urged

Public health officials in England said on Monday that seasonal influenza activity is rising earlier than usual, driven largely by infections in children and younger adults, and they urged people eligible for free vaccination to get their jabs. The UK Health Security Agency said its latest weekly report, covering 6 to 12 October, showed increases in positive flu tests, primary care consultations for flu and flu like illness, and hospital admissions linked to influenza.

The UKHSA reported that the weekly mean positivity rate for flu tests rose to 5.0 percent from 3.3 percent the previous week. Influenza hospital admissions increased to 1.27 per 100,000 people, up from 0.73 per 100,000, and the general practice consultation rate for influenzalike illness rose to 5.4 per 100,000 from 4.2 per 100,000. The agency said these rises are occurring relatively early in the autumn and will be monitored closely.

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said, "This week's data is showing a rise in positive tests for flu, particularly in children and younger adults, as well an increase in GP and AE attendances. It is relatively early in the autumn to be seeing these increases and...