Health authorities in England have issued an alert regarding an unexpectedly early surge in influenza cases this autumn, with younger demographics bearing the brunt of infections.
The UK Health Security Agency's latest data reveals a sharp rise in flu test positivity rates, jumping from 3.3 per cent to 5.0 per cent within a single week, prompting calls for anyone with body aches, temperature or a cough to minimise contact with others.
Hospital admissions have nearly doubled during the same period, climbing from 0.73 to 1.27 per 100,000 population.
General practices are also reporting increased consultations for influenza-like symptoms, with rates rising from 4.2 to 5.4 per 100,000 patients.
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The surge is particularly pronounced among younger adults and children of school age, marking an unusual pattern for this time of year.
Dr Conall Watson, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, expressed concern about the timing of these increases.
"It is relatively early in the autumn to be seeing these increases, and we will be monitoring this closely in the coming weeks," he said.
The epidemiologist also noted a rise in both GP and A&E attendances related to flu cases, stressing that vaccination remains crucial.
Scientists have noticed a pronounced surge in flu cases among younger adults
|GETTY
He noted: "It's absolutely crucial that everyone eligible for a flu vaccine books their appointment, it could make all the difference in avoiding severe illness and hospitalisation."
The previous winter saw the NHS grappling with what was termed a "quad-demic" - a simultaneous outbreak of influenza, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus that placed a significant strain on healthcare services.
Health officials are advising the public to remain vigilant for specific influenza symptoms, which include elevated body temperature, persistent coughing and feelings of fatigue or general body aches.
Additional indicators of flu infection encompass a dry cough, throat discomfort, headaches, sleep disturbances, reduced appetite, gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhoea, and nausea or vomiting.
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Dr Watson urged individuals experiencing these symptoms to limit their interactions with others to prevent transmission.
"Anyone with symptoms including high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy" should "minimise contact with others," he advised.
The guidance comes as respiratory syncytial virus hospital admissions have also risen to 0.18 per 100,000, up from 0.14 per 100,000 the previous week, adding to concerns about multiple respiratory infections circulating simultaneously.
Anyone with a cough, temperature and body aches is being urged to minimise contact with others
|GETTY
Health authorities are urgently calling for eligible individuals to receive their influenza vaccinations, with particular emphasis on protecting children through newly expanded pharmacy services.
For the first time, two and three-year-olds can receive flu vaccinations at pharmacies throughout England, supplementing traditional GP services.
Dr Watson urged parents to either complete school consent forms or schedule appointments for eligible pre-school children at their GP surgeries.
"The vaccine is usually given as a simple nasal spray and could stop your child getting very unwell," Dr Watson explained.
He added that children can typically receive the vaccination even while experiencing common cold symptoms.
The vaccination programme extends to all individuals aged 65 and above, younger people with clinical risk factors, care facility residents and staff, contacts of immunocompromised individuals, healthcare workers, and pregnant women.
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