Focus on the BIG picture.
Saturday, Dec 13, 2025
Outside the box.
Influenza and RSV Cases Climb Sharply Across United States and Europe with UK Hospitals Straining Under Record Flu Admissions
Respiratory virus activity, driven by influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, is rising across the United States and European region, with the United Kingdom reporting unprecedented hospitalisations for this time of year
Respiratory virus activity in both the United States and throughout much of Europe has escalated sharply, with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases rising and placing increasing pressure on health systems.
In the United Kingdom, hospitals have reported a record surge in flu-related admissions, particularly as a mutated H3N2 influenza strain circulates widely and drives hospitalisations well above typical levels for early December this year.
This rise comes amid generally low levels of COVID-19 activity, leaving influenza and RSV as the dominant respiratory threats across the northern hemisphere winter.
Surveillance data from the United States shows flu activity continuing to increase across most regions, while RSV infections are rising notably in the South, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic.
Emergency department visits and paediatric hospitalisations linked to RSV have climbed, especially among children aged zero to four, highlighting the seasonal impact of respiratory viruses on younger populations.
Across Europe, influenza activity has begun earlier than in recent years.
Many countries are reporting higher test positivity rates and increased visits to primary care services for respiratory illness.
Multiple seasonal influenza virus types are now circulating simultaneously, contributing to mounting pressure on healthcare systems.
RSV trends are also increasing in parts of the continent, compounding the overall burden of winter respiratory disease.
The United Kingdom is experiencing the most acute impact.
National health data shows flu hospital admissions rising by more than half within a single week, reaching the highest level recorded for this stage of the season.
Emergency departments have reported exceptional demand, and several hospital trusts have declared critical incidents to manage capacity.
Vaccination campaigns are ongoing, with health authorities urging eligible groups to seek immunisation promptly to reduce severe illness.
In Ireland and Scotland, hospitals have introduced visitor restrictions as a precautionary measure in response to rising influenza admissions.
Public health officials across Europe continue to monitor the situation closely as seasonal travel and social gatherings increase, warning that the combined circulation of influenza and RSV may intensify strain on healthcare services in the weeks ahead.
In the United Kingdom, hospitals have reported a record surge in flu-related admissions, particularly as a mutated H3N2 influenza strain circulates widely and drives hospitalisations well above typical levels for early December this year.
This rise comes amid generally low levels of COVID-19 activity, leaving influenza and RSV as the dominant respiratory threats across the northern hemisphere winter.
Surveillance data from the United States shows flu activity continuing to increase across most regions, while RSV infections are rising notably in the South, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic.
Emergency department visits and paediatric hospitalisations linked to RSV have climbed, especially among children aged zero to four, highlighting the seasonal impact of respiratory viruses on younger populations.
Across Europe, influenza activity has begun earlier than in recent years.
Many countries are reporting higher test positivity rates and increased visits to primary care services for respiratory illness.
Multiple seasonal influenza virus types are now circulating simultaneously, contributing to mounting pressure on healthcare systems.
RSV trends are also increasing in parts of the continent, compounding the overall burden of winter respiratory disease.
The United Kingdom is experiencing the most acute impact.
National health data shows flu hospital admissions rising by more than half within a single week, reaching the highest level recorded for this stage of the season.
Emergency departments have reported exceptional demand, and several hospital trusts have declared critical incidents to manage capacity.
Vaccination campaigns are ongoing, with health authorities urging eligible groups to seek immunisation promptly to reduce severe illness.
In Ireland and Scotland, hospitals have introduced visitor restrictions as a precautionary measure in response to rising influenza admissions.
Public health officials across Europe continue to monitor the situation closely as seasonal travel and social gatherings increase, warning that the combined circulation of influenza and RSV may intensify strain on healthcare services in the weeks ahead.
