Prime Highlights
- Health officials in Hertfordshire warn that children and young people may be particularly vulnerable to a severe strain of Influenza A expected to spread in the coming weeks.
- The alert follows record-breaking flu levels in Australia, which often predict trends in the UK, prompting urgent calls for vaccination and preventive measures.
Key Facts
- Australia recorded 1,544 flu cases per 100,000 people, a 10.8% increase from 2024, with nearly 11% of infections in children under five.
- Hertfordshire public health leaders are urging free flu vaccinations for children, older adults, pregnant women, and medically vulnerable groups.
Background
Health officials in Hertfordshire have warned that children and young people may be more vulnerable to a severe strain of flu expected to circulate in the coming weeks. While current hospital admissions remain low, public health officials believe the numbers will rise as the flu season progresses.
The alert comes as Australia reports its worst flu season on record, with 1,544 cases per 100,000 people, 10.8% increase from 2024. Public health teams in the UK are closely monitoring these trends, as Australia’s flu season typically predicts what may follow in the northern hemisphere.
Hertfordshire’s director of public health, Sarah Perman, said rising cases in the UK were already a cause for concern. She noted that in Australia, almost 11% of all infections were in children under five, and more than a third of cases occurred in those below 15. A similar early pattern appears to be emerging in the UK.
Perman explained that the dominant strain this season is Influenza A, a type known to cause more severe illness and higher mortality, especially among older adults. She urged children, older people, pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions to get the free flu vaccination. She also encouraged others to consider getting vaccinated privately at local pharmacies.
Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, joint pain and extreme tiredness. Perman advised anyone showing these signs to limit contact with others, particularly vulnerable individuals. People who must leave home should wear a face mask, wash their hands often and dispose of tissues carefully.
Ajanta Hilton, Hertfordshire County Council’s executive member for public health, called for a national awareness campaign to reinforce prevention messages and support local efforts already underway.
