With this year’s flu season starting early, find out how to stay protected

Flu season has arrived about a month earlier than usual in Scotland, and cases are rising rapidly. Early data across the UK suggest that a new “drifted” type of flu virus may be circulating this winter.

In our latest blog, Dr Kim Marsh, Viral Respiratory Pathogens lead, updates on the evolving situation and the importance of vaccination given the early start to the flu season.

What’s happening this season?

This winter’s flu season has started ahead of what we typically see, and early data suggests that a “drifted” influenza A(H3N2) with additional mutations could be playing a role. Similar trends have been reported in other countries, which means we need to stay alert.

Influenza A(H3N2) strain is known for causing more severe illness compared to influenza A(H1N1), particularly among older adults, but flu viruses are unpredictable. Different strains can dominate throughout the year, and we may see several waves of different strains as the season progresses. In previous years, influenza A(H1N1) has been more frequently detected in Scotland, although both strains have been known to circulate.

Public Health Scotland (PHS) is stepping up surveillance and virus sequencing in GP practices, hospitals, and care homes to better understand which strains are circulating. While it’s too early to predict the full impact, the early start and presence of H3N2 virus underline why vaccination, if you’re eligible, is so important.

Why H3N2 matters

Flu seasons dominated by the H3N2 strain often lead to more severe illness, particularly in older adults. That’s why it’s so important for older adults and people in high-risk groups, as well as health and social care workers, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

How we’re monitoring flu and vaccine uptake in Scotland

PHS tracks flu activity across Scotland through GP practices, hospitals, and intensive care units. Because the season started early, we’re increasing virus sequencing in patients with flu-like symptoms, including those in care homes. This helps us understand which strains are circulating and plan the best response. Vaccine uptake is monitored by weekly reporting from local NHS boards across Scotland and captures progress specifically for eligible populations.

Updated vaccines offer protection against the main circulating strain

Flu viruses change constantly, and this year’s vaccine is designed to protect against the three main types of flu viruses we usually see:

• Influenza A(H1N1)
• Influenza A(H3N2)
• Influenza B

Early evidence from UKHSA shows that this year’s vaccine does a good job preventing hospital admissions due to flu for the strains currently circulating in the UK. Children are around 70-75% less likely to attend or be admitted to hospital with flu if vaccinated, and adults are around 30-40% less likely to attend or be admitted.

Flu hits harder for some: If you’re invited for a vaccine, you’ve got a reason to get it now

Given the early start to the season, we’re encouraging those who are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Flu can be serious, especially for older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with long-term health conditions. Vaccination is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself and others.

Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination are receiving their invitations by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding. Invitations will continue to be sent out as the programme progresses through the winter.

To find out if you’re eligible and to book your flu vaccine visit: www.nhsinform.scot/flu

Drop-in clinics may also be available. More information on local clinics can be found on your local NHS health board website: Local health board vaccination information | NHS inform

Frontline health and social care workers and non-frontline NHS workers may not receive an invitation and are encouraged to check local arrangements for eligible staff and book their appointment now. The vaccine helps protect you and the people you care for.

The flu vaccine is also being offered to all children from 2 years old to the end of secondary school, as well as children aged 6 months to 2 years old with a condition that puts them at increased risk of flu.   For more information visit: www,nhsinform.scot/childflu

If you do find yourself with flu-like symptoms

Most people can manage flu-like symptoms at home. Advice on how to recognise and manage these is available at NHS Inform. There is also a self-help guide to check flu symptoms and find out what to do next. This is particularly important for those who are at risk of more severe disease and may be eligible for antiviral medicines, which can help to reduce the severity and duration of flu.  

To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay and home and avoid spreading the virus to others.
Some people may also be eligible for other vaccines this winter, including RSV and COVID-19. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine and RSV vaccine, including eligibility, is available at www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine and www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/rsv-vaccine-for-adults

More information on UKHSA’s study is available on their website: Flu vaccine providing important protection despite new subclade - GOV.UK