Article · Health news

UKHSA: flu low but above last four years

Health news Published · sources checked

UKHSA reported on 8 October 2026 that flu levels were low at the start of the season but higher than at the same point in the previous four years, and urged eligible people to be vaccinated.

Key points

  • UKHSA reported on 8 October 2026 that flu activity was low at the start of the season but higher than in each of the previous four years.
  • UKHSA described possible signs of an early flu season.
  • UKHSA says it takes a couple of weeks for the vaccine to give full protection.

What was announced

UKHSA says flu activity in September was higher than in the same period of each of the past four winters, although it remained at baseline, which means very low levels. Flu trends have been rising since August, and UKHSA says there are possible signs of an early flu season.

In a related UKHSA blog post, the agency says the rise so far has been driven largely by cases in 18 to 24 year olds. Early typing data show an equal mix of influenza A(H3N2) and A(H1N1) in England.

What it means

UKHSA urges people who are eligible to be vaccinated. It says the vaccine takes a couple of weeks to give full protection, so getting it sooner rather than later is better.

The blog post also notes that last season started early but was milder overall, with lower activity and mortality than the year before. This site's influenza vaccine page explains the vaccine in more detail.

More guides and news

Educational content. This article summarises public guidance and announcements in plain English for education. It is not medical advice and it cannot say what is right for you: speak to a clinician about your own health, call NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do and 999 in an emergency.