Are we seeing an early flu season? What we know so far about this year's strains

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/08/are-we-seeing-an-early-flu-season-what-we-know-so-far-about-this-years-strains/ Early signs suggest that flu season may be starting earlier this year. According to our winter virus surveillance data, flu activity throughout September has been higher than in the same period over the past 4 winters. While levels remain at baseline, meaning still relatively low overall, the upward trend - if it continues in the coming weeks - suggests an early flu season. The rise so far has been driven largely by cases in the 18- to 24-year-old age group. What strains are circulating this year? So far this season, there's a mix of 2 flu A subtypes, H1N1 and H3N2, circulating in England. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against all 3 main types of flu: influenza A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and influenza B. Whichever ends up dominating this winter - or if they all circulate at similar levels throughout - the vaccine should offer broad protection. It might help to think of the flu vaccine like packing for a winter trip: you bring layers for rain, snow and wind because you don't know exactly what the weather will throw at you. The vaccine works the same way, offering layer...