Winter 2025/26 respiratory season underway: Flu rising — healthcare providers urged to prepare!
- Published on:
Winter 2025/26 respiratory season underway: Flu rising — healthcare providers urged to prepare!
- Published on:
According to the latest NHS figures, flu cases are already 50% higher than this time last year [1]. Health leaders have warned there is 'no peak in sight’ for the wave with flu hospitalisations having increased by 63% in the past week. With Christmas approaching, and social mixing increasing, further sharp rises are expected [2].
A mutated flu strain is responsible for the unusually early and severe onset of this year’s flu season in the UK.
Officials at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say this 'drifted’ variant, known as A(H3N2) has swiftly become the predominant influenza strain circulating in the UK.
While flu pressures are a familiar feature of winter, experts caution that this could become the most challenging flu season in a decade, driven by the new variant’s heightened transmissibility [3].
There is a notable effect on Children and young people: Dr Julie-Ann Maney, who works at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, said her department has been „extremely busy” due to the rise in cases.
"I have been a consultant since 2010 and this is the most severe influenza outbreak that I have experienced."
National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, Prof Julian Redhead said:
"The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite that we know that ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes may stretch our staff close to breaking point in the coming weeks."
National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, Prof Julian Redhead said: „The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite that we know that ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes may stretch our staff close to breaking point in the coming weeks.’’
This increasing pressure on hospitals inevitably leads to higher demand for ventilators, breathing circuits and respiratory care equipment.
At Eakin Healthcare, we are committed to supporting healthcare professionals throughout this challenging season. As a UK-based manufacturer, we ensure reliable availability of a versatile range of breathing systems to support therapy delivery across the hospital.
Our products come with BioCote® antimicrobial protection as standard to help prevent microbial colonisation.
Contact our team today to discuss how we can provide for reliable support during this winter season.
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References
[1] NHS England (2025) Urgent and Emergency Care Daily Situation Reports 2025–26. Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/uec-sitreps/urgent-and-emergency-care-daily-situation-reports-2025-26/ (Accessed: 10/12/2025).
[2] UK Health Security Agency (2025) Sharp rise in flu cases at the start of the festive period, with peak still to come. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sharp-rise-in-flu-cases-at-the-start-of-the-festive-period-with-peak-still-to-come (Accessed: 10/12/2025).
[3] BBC News (2025) New flu virus mutation could see ‘worst season in a decade’. Available at: New flu virus mutation could see ‘worst season in a decade’ – BBC News (Accessed: 10/12/2025).
[4] BBC News (2025) Children hit hardest as flu cases in Northern Ireland surge. Available at: Children hit hardest as flu cases in Northern Ireland surge – BBC News (Accessed: 10/12/2025).
