The NHS has issued a nationwide ‘stay at home‘ warning as winter bugs, including the H3N2 variant, are rapidly spreading throughout Britain. In a recent social media post, the health service also advised the public to ‘cover your nose and mouth’ and to ‘avoid contact with other people’.
This year’s flu season has arrived earlier and with greater severity than usual. The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data reveal that influenza activity has increased and is now circulating at moderate levels.
The report states that accident and emergency (A&E) visits for flu-like symptoms have climbed, reports the Mirror. “The number of influenza-confirmed acute respiratory infection (ARI) incidents increased,” it continued.
“Of influenza viruses subtyped at the UKHSA Respiratory Virus Unit, the majority were A(H3N2).” The H3N2 variant is presently the predominant flu strain circulating across Britain during the 2025/2026 flu season.
According to the UKHSA, a particular subtype of H3N2, called subclade K, is behind most recent infections, putting considerable pressure on healthcare services.
Apart from using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, wearing face coverings can substantially help prevent flu and other respiratory infections from spreading.
They achieve this by blocking infectious particles, which safeguards both the mask wearer and those nearby, particularly when someone is unwell or in busy locations such as hospitals. Face coverings act as a protective barrier that prevents germs from spreading through the air when you cough, sneeze, or speak.
This makes them an invaluable resource for safeguarding public health during the flu season, according to guidance from the UKHSA.
Taking to X this morning (December 8), the NHS stated: “If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly. Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re eligible. If you have flu, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly.”
The health service then outlined the most effective methods for self-care, including: “Rest and sleep, keep warm, take paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.”
In a nationwide “reduce the spread” warning, the NHS also advised: “Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.” Another recommendation was to cleanse your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap.
The final appeal stated: “Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.”
Concluding the post, the NHS added: “A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. If you’re worried about your symptoms, or you’re not getting better, call 111 or get help from 111 online.”
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu symptoms typically appear quickly, with the most common ones outlined below. While the symptoms are comparable in children, they may also experience ear discomfort and appear less energetic.
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
According to the NHS website: “Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to others in the first five days. Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.”
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu. It’s safe and effective. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to some adults and children at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
