Thousands of lives could be at risk from flu this winter, health experts have cautioned, after new figures revealed that flu-related deaths more than doubled over the past year. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that deaths from flu in England rose sharply to 7,757 last winter, compared with 3,555 the previous year. The number of children who died with flu also increased from 34 to 53. With the UK preparing for a severe flu season, NHS leaders have sounded a “flu jab SOS,” urging people to get vaccinated without delay. As flu cases continue to climb, it is important to stay alert for symptoms—especially among those more vulnerable to serious illness.Flu Virus In UK Mutates, Bypassing ImmunityA concerning warning has been issued about a new, potentially deadly strain of flu that may sweep through the UK this winter. Official reports indicate that the flu season began unusually early in October, pushing up hospital admissions, with the highest number of cases seen in children aged five to fourteen. This alert follows Australia’s record-breaking flu season, which is often seen as a signal of what may happen in the UK.Dr Suzanna McDonald, National Lead for the Influenza Programme at UKHSA, explained, “Flu has struck earlier than expected and will keep spreading in the coming weeks. Many people mistake a bad cold for flu, but true influenza can be severe and, for some who are at greater risk, even fatal.”The current flu strain appears to have mutated in a way that allows it to partially evade existing immunity, causing the season to begin more than a month earlier than usual and leading to stronger outbreaks. In response, the NHS has issued an urgent appeal for people to get vaccinated, warning that the mix of an early onset and a more aggressive virus could make this one of the toughest flu seasons in recent years. While experts say there is still some uncertainty, many believe this could turn out to be the worst flu wave in a decade.Flu Virus 2025 Symptoms In UKFlu symptoms can differ from person to person. Some may carry the virus without any noticeable illness, while others develop a sudden high temperature, muscle pain, and extreme tiredness. The infection poses the greatest threat to older adults and those with underlying health issues.That is why getting the annual flu vaccine is essential. The NHS has issued an urgent “flu jab SOS,” announcing that 2.4 million vaccine slots are open this week for people to book their shots and boost protection before the virus peaks.Flu Virus 2025 Vulnerable GroupsCertain groups are at a higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications. These include older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions. The World Health Organization also identifies people who are obese, immunocompromised, or working in healthcare as high-risk, as they face greater chances of developing severe illness if infected.UKHSA Urges Eligible Groups To Get VaccinatedThe UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged everyone eligible for a free flu vaccine to schedule their appointment as soon as possible, as flu activity rises across England. Hospital admissions linked to flu have gone up from 1.74 to 2.19 per 100,000 people, with 247 new admissions recorded in the past week, as per NHS.Among children aged 5 to 14, the percentage testing positive for flu in hospitals jumped from 20% to nearly 31% in just one week.Health officials issued a renewed “flu jab SOS” last week, warning people to get protected immediately as the virus spreads earlier than usual. According to NHS England, flu cases are already three times higher than this time last year, and the season’s peak is still weeks away.
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