London flu levels more than double as NHS warns of early seasonal pressure

Flu activity is rising across London earlier than expected, prompting health leaders to urge eligible residents to receive their vaccination before winter pressures intensify.

UK Health Security Agency figures show that 5.6% of flu tests in the capital were positive by the end of September, more than double the 2.5% recorded at the end of August. Although overall levels remain relatively low, infections are higher than during the same period in each of the previous four years.

The increase has been driven largely by younger age groups. Nationally, test positivity rose from 5% to 6.5% during the week ending 4 October, while flu-related hospital admissions reached 1.97 per 100,000 people.

The rise comes as London’s emergency services are already under pressure. Around 433,000 people attended A&E during September, approximately 24,500 more than in August, while hospitals were operating at an average occupancy of 95%.

Pregnant women, toddlers and school-age children have been eligible for vaccination since September, with over-65s and other qualifying adults invited from 1 October. NHS leaders said flu can cause serious illness and hospital admission, particularly among children, pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions.

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