"I should start by saying super flu is not a scientific term or one used by any academics or clinicians I work with. It's a colloquial phrase that's been used by various NHS England bosses and taken up by Wes Streeting, the health secretary, and Keir Starmer. This year, a couple of factors have come together to make it a harder flu season for hospitals to manage. First, flu has arrived earlier than previous years."
"The current level of hospitalisations usually occurs in January, but it's happening a month earlier. According to recent NHS England data, flu-related hospital admissions have risen sharply in December 2025, with figures showing an average of around 2,660 flu patients in hospital per day, the highest level recorded for this time of year, and a 55% rise in admissions in just one week. A&E attendances for flu and respiratory illness overall have also reached record levels, compounding pressure on emergency services."
Flu has arrived earlier than usual across the northern hemisphere, coinciding with circulation of Covid and rhinoviruses. Patients may have one or more simultaneous infections, increasing susceptibility to severe influenza. Current hospitalisation levels typically seen in January are occurring a month earlier, with NHS England reporting around 2,660 flu patients in hospital per day and a 55% rise in admissions within one week in December 2025. A&E attendances for flu and respiratory illness have reached record levels, adding pressure to emergency services. Predominant strains are H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B, all included in this season's vaccine. H3N2 poses greater severity for the elderly and young children.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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