Flu cases have skyrocketed this season, with the NHS experiencing an unprecedented wave of hospital admissions.
It was reported that an average of 1,717 flu patients were admitted in the middle of December 2025, and 69 of those were in critical condition.
This is a 56% increase from 2024, with 1,096 beds full due to the virus. In 2023, of the same week, it was only 160.
Why is the flu worse this year?
There are three types of flu that impact people: influenza A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2), and influenza B.
Because flu viruses evolve, vaccines have to be updated with the newest strain. However, H3N2 evolved more than expected during the summer. Therefore, the virus is spreading and infecting people more rapidly.
Symptoms of the flu:
- A high temperature
- An aching body
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Runny/stuffy nose
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or being sick
- Tummy troubles or diarrhoea
Serious symptoms that may require medical care include:
- Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath
- Dizziness/instability
- Pain in the chest
- Dehydration (i.e., not urinating)
- Seizures
- Severe muscle pain
- How to protect yourself (and others)
Get vaccinated
The NHS offers the flu vaccine every autumn/winter. People who are at high risk will be given it for free. This includes:
- Anyone aged 65 or above
- Pregnant People
- Those who have long-term health conditions
- People in care homes
- Carers of older people and/or those with a disability
- Those who either have or live with anyone with a weakened immune system
Purify indoor air
Germs are more likely to spread indoors in crowded areas. By increasing airflow, you can directly increase air quality. Do this, you can open windows, invest in an air-purifier, or an efficient ventilation system.
Regular hand-washing
Cleaning your hands after touching shared surfaces, sneezing/coughing, or touching your mouth/nose can help prevent germs from spreading. Public and private premises where there is a bathroom are required to have soap dispensers. Organisations could also invest in hand-sanitisation stations for both customers and employees.
Practice good hygiene
Ensuring shared surfaces are cleaned and thoroughly with anti-bacterial products should be a regular habit to avoid the spread. High-risk areas would include taps and door handles.
Bin waste
Any used disposable products (such as paper cups, plastic/wooden utensils) and sanitary products (wipes/tissues) should be binned immediately after use. Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations, a suitable receptacle should be provided for waste disposal.
Stay home
If you have flu symptoms, it is your responsibility to protect others. Staying home will prevent the virus from spreading.
What to do if you experience flu symptoms:
Your GP may prescribe you with antiviral medication (such as Baloxavir, Peramivir, Zanamivir, or Oseltamivir) if you have been hospitalised or are considered a high-risk patient, such as pregnant, living with a chronic illness, or autoimmune disease.
Most people are advised to:
- Stay home and rest
- Drink plenty of fluids (i.e, water, herbal tea…)
- Stay warm
- Take over-the-counter treatments: for pain and temperatures (Paracetamol, Ibuprofen), for congestion and a blocked or runny nose (decongestants and antihistamines)
(REMEMBER: READ THE MEDICATION INSTRUCTIONS.)
Products and facilities we offer
- Our NWR Aura Air Steriliser which eliminates 99.999% of odour-causing germs and purifies indoor air
- A pedal-operated hand sanitiser which reduces the chances of cross-contamination
- Our regular hand sanitiser station
- Luxury foam soap dispensers
- Several models of sanitary bins
- Our Air Lite Super Max hand-dryer has a filter that kills 99.9% of bacteria
- A black general waste bin to remove possibly contaminated waste from your business
And, for healthcare professionals, we offer:
- A sharps bin exchange to safely dispose of needles
- A nappy/offensive waste bin
