Charity sounds the alarm after flu hospital admissions quadruple compared to same period last year

Analysis by Asthma + Lung UK has revealed that the number of people attending the emergency department with influenza-like-illness, such as flu, in the last few weeks, when compared to the same time last year, is 320 percent higher.¹

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance data shows the number of people attending hospital with flu like illness over the same eight-week period rocketed from 1850 people (Monday 7 October – Sunday 1 December 2024) to 7781 people (Monday 6 October - Sunday 30 November 2025) – an increase of 5931 people.¹

In addition, hospital admissions rates for flu per 100,0000 people in the last week of October, were almost four times the number seen at the same time last year and ten times that of the same period in 2023.²

Flu can be deadly, and the 2024/2025 season saw more than double the number of deaths in England from the virus when compared to the season before.³

The virus can be especially dangerous for people with lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), causing symptoms such as breathlessness, wheezing or coughing and leading to a potentially life-threatening asthma attack or flare-up of COPD. People with lung conditions are seven times more likely to die if they catch flu compared to healthy adults^.4

With levels of flu reaching record highs so early in the season, as well as being predicted to rise still further, lung health charity Asthma + Lung UK is warning the NHS could be facing one of the worst flu seasons on record. Australia is often used as a benchmark for the upcoming flu season in England. This year saw the biggest flu season in its history. ⁵

According to the UKHSA, a new, mutated strain of influenza has been circulating and may be responsible for many of the flu cases showing up now.⁶ The rise in flu cases has led to increased hospital admissions, which is placing added strain on the NHS over winter, at a time when the number of respiratory admissions is already high.⁷

Despite this new strain, Asthma + Lung UK is clear that the flu vaccine still offers protection and is urging you, if you’re eligible to get your flu vaccine as soon as possible, to safeguard your own health and also prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The charity is urging the UK Government to produce a national strategy, known as a Modern Service Framework, for respiratory illness. While such a plan wouldn’t be in place for this winter, it would help avoid many unnecessary emergency admissions in future, by driving up the standard of care given to people living with existing lung conditions.

Dr Andrew Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK and a practicing GP, said: “England has seen a much higher number of hospital admissions for flu in October and November this year compared to the same period last year, which is worrying and shows an earlier start to the flu season than normal. It’s looking like England could experience one of its worst flu seasons on record. This makes it even more crucial that people with lung conditions and those in other high-risk groups, such as young children and the elderly, protect themselves by getting their free flu vaccine. The vaccine is the best way you can protect yourself against flu, as it reduces your chances of getting flu and helps you avoid serious illness if you do catch it.

“If you have a lung condition you should take your medicines as prescribed, including using your preventer inhaler daily even when you feel well, to build up protection in your airways over time, and carry your reliever inhaler with you.

“It is a good idea to avoid contact with people who have cold or flu symptoms if you can, wash your hands regularly and clean surfaces in your home, such as door handles and switches. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze, to prevent the virus from spreading, or try to cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and throw it away immediately.

“Contact your GP practice or call 111 if you’re unwell and feel the symptoms of your lung condition are getting worse. If you are having an asthma attack, you have severe difficulty breathing or suddenly feel short of breath, you should dial 999 as this is a medical emergency.”

Although generally flu vaccine uptake is at a similar level to last year, recent figures show that many people invited for flu jabs have not yet had it. NHS England data shows up until 30 November 2025 only 41% people under 65 who are in a clinical at-risk group but not immunosuppressed, 42% people under 65 who are immunosuppressed, 42% of pregnant women, 70% aged 65 and over and 40% of two to three-year-olds have taken up the flu vaccine.⁸

Case study: “I would never have survived it I hadn’t have had the vaccine”

Claire Davis, 40, from Teeside, North Yorkshire, feels certain that she is only alive today because she had the flu vaccine. She was clinically vulnerable when she caught flu in 2022 and her experience shows not just how serious flu can be, but also how the vaccine can stop it becoming much worse.

Claire said: “I have no doubt in my mind that if I hadn’t had the vaccine I wouldn’t be here now, it literally saved my life.

“I was diagnosed with two lung conditions called bronchiolitis obliterans and severe cystic bronchiectasis as a child, which means I get breathless easily. I used inhalers and nebulisers, and had physiotherapy twice a day, but I still led a relatively normal life. As an adult, I got a job as a nurse and loved it.

“I made sure I had my flu jab every year, as I was vulnerable to viruses, but could always manage at home with medication if I got a cough or cold. Then, in 2022, I was struck down with flu, and it completely floored me. I was struggling to breathe so much that I had to go to hospital and ended up there for three months on oxygen and medication to help keep me alive.

“At one point the doctors told me there was nothing more they could do. My oxygen levels were so low that I was at risk of dying. But I couldn’t be put on a ventilator, because my lungs were so weak that I’d never be able to come off it. I was so ill I couldn’t even talk. It was terrifying.

“The flu caused further damage to my lungs, and I was left with just 30 percent lung capacity. It meant that, by the time I was well enough to leave hospital, I had to be on oxygen permanently. The specialist told me I was very ill and the only chance I had of surviving long term was a double lung transplant, so I am now on the waiting list for one.

“My life has changed completely. I now work in a desk-based role I can do at home and it’s difficult for me to go out, as I have to carry oxygen with me wherever I go. It’s terrifying not knowing how long I might have left, but all I can do is hope that a donor is found in time. A lot of people don’t have the flu jab as they think ‘Oh it’s just flu, I’ll be fine,’ but flu can be deadly, especially for those with pre-existing lung conditions like me. I know I would never have survived it I hadn’t have had the vaccine and would urge everyone to get vaccinated. It’s just not worth the risk.”

Asthma + Lung UK has a free Winter Wellness Guide to help people stay well this winter. Sign up here: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/withyouthiswinter   
 

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For more information or for interview requests, please contact the press team on 0207 786 4949 or  press@asthmaandlung.org.uk  

Asthma + Lung UK    
 
Asthma + Lung UK is the only charity in the UK fighting for everyone with a lung condition, aiming for a world where everyone can breathe with healthy lungs. We fund cutting-edge research and provide advice and support for the 12 million people who will get a lung condition during their lifetime. We also campaign for clean air and for better NHS diagnosis and treatment. For further information visit asthmaandlung.org.uk.   

ENDS

References:

1. National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports: 2025 to 2026 season; UK Health Security Agency, www.gov.uk, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69314d3ccdec734f4dff41f1/weekly-influenza-and-COVID-19-report-data-week-49-2025.ods

2. Weekly-influenza-and-COVID-19-report-week-46-2025; UK Health Security Agency, www.gov.uk. Accessed 25 November 2025 here.

3. National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 20 November 2025 (week 47); UK Health Security Agency; www.gov.uk. Accessed 25 November 2025 here.

4. Data from Public Health England shows people with chronic respiratory diseases, such as emphysema or asthma, are seven times more likely to die if they catch flu compared to healthy adults: People with long-term health conditions urged to get flu vaccine before Christmas - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

5. Expert Comment: Why is the UK expecting a bad flu season this year? London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; www.lshtm.ac.uk. Accessed 25 November 2025 here.

6. How Well Will I Be Protected from Flu This Year with The Current Influenza Vaccines? UK Health Security Agency; www.gov.uk, Accessed 25 November 2025 here.

7. Asthma + Lung UK website: Emergency admissions for breathing difficulties soar by almost half a million  | Asthma + Lung UK.

8. NHS England winter response; Vaccinations. The latest data (up to 30 November) for influenza vaccinations; Accessed 8 December 2025 here.