Super flu cases rise again after Christmas and New Year

NHS leaders reported a 9% rise in flu hospitalisations in England last week, and officials say an early surge has been driven by the H3N2 'superflu' strain.

Flu cases have increased in England after Christmas and New Year gatherings, NHS leaders report. Hospital admissions with flu rose by 9% last week following a recent fortnight of lower numbers. Officials say the H3N2 strain, described in some reports as 'superflu', has driven an early surge. The rise comes as children return to school and as cold weather is adding pressure to emergency services. Latest figures: - NHS England reported flu hospitalisations were up 9% in England last week. - Average daily flu admissions were about 3,140 in mid-December, fell to 2,676 over the Christmas week, and rose to an average of 2,924 last week. - Some hospitals asked staff, patients and visitors to wear face masks, and several entered and exited critical incident status during December because of high A&E demand. - Health Secretary Wes Streeting and NHS medical director Professor Meghana Pandit said the NHS remains under pressure; Streeting noted vaccination as the best protection and urged eligible people to be vaccinated. Summary: The recent rise in flu admissions has added pressure to NHS services already managing cold-weather related cases and other seasonal illnesses. It is unclear whether the current H3N2 surge will peak quickly or remain at high levels for months. Officials have highlighted ongoing strain on hospitals and reported that vaccination is being promoted as a protective measure. Undetermined at this time.