According to the National Health Service (NHS), the UK will face the long, drawn-out flu season this winter.
People are being urged to get a flu jab to protect against the virus, as thousands could die from flu this winter, after experts suggested the figure may be double that of last year.
According to theIndependent, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates show that deaths from flu in England stood at 7,757 last winter, compared to 3,555 the year before.
Official data suggests that the flu season started unusually early in October 2025, leading to a rise in hospital admissions, with cases highest among children aged 5-14.
Dr Suzanna McDonald, national lead for the influenza programme at UKHSA, said, "Flu has hit early this year and will only spread in the coming weeks."
According to Dr Suzanna, “If you get the flu, it is nasty, and for some people who are more vulnerable, it can be deadly.”
“If you’ve not yet had a flu vaccine, don’t regret it later – stay strong and get vaccinated, as soon as possible.” said Dr Suzanna.
The warning follows the biggest flu season in Australia’s history, which is often seen as an accurate predictor of what the UK can expect.
As reported by NHS chief Sir James Mackey, "Australia has just endured its worst flu season on record with over 410,000 cases and all signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the coming months ahead."
NHS England is issuing a "flu jab SOS", urging those eligible for the free vaccine to come forward quickly.
"The vaccine is proven to be safe and helps prevent those at risk from getting seriously ill and even hospitalised from flu," said Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England.
The NHS states that flu jabs are available to everyone, including people aged 65 and above, pregnant women, care home residents, close contacts of those with weakened immunity, frontline health care workers, and children.
The NHS is also offering 'free flu jabs' for older people, pregnant women, and individuals with certain long-term health conditions.
In addition, children aged 2-16 can also get vaccinated with a nasal spray to help stop flu from spreading.
Influenza rates are currently three times higher than usual for this year.
As warned by experts, it is partly due to the virus bouncing back after Covid restrictions were lifted, combined with low immunity.
Two of the worst winter flu seasons of the past decade have been seen in the last 3 years.
According to the BBC, nearly 8,000 people died from flu last year, while in the 2022-23 flu season, almost 16,000 deaths were reported.