by The winter flu season has started early in the UK, with health officials warning of a rise in cases – particularly among children.
According to the UKHSA (Health Security Agency), the number of people hospitalized with flu has doubled compared to this time last year and is above the average for this time in 2023. Its latest report says the number remains high among children and young adults.
Experts are urging parents to make sure their children get a flu shot as soon as possible. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) has warned that the outbreak began earlier than expected this year and is “particularly severe” in younger age groups.
“Unfortunately, it’s not just older people and people with chronic, long-term health problems that get sick from the flu, it can cause previously very healthy and healthy children to become very, very sick,” said Dr. Helen Stewart, RCPCH Health Improvement Officer. “Thousands of children go to the hospital every year because they get the flu.”
Here’s what you need to know about protecting children this winter, including when flu season starts, how the vaccine works, and what side effects to expect.
When does flu season start in the UK?
According to the UKHSA, flu season usually runs from late November to March, but this year it started unusually early. The number of cases began rising in October, weeks before usual community transmission occurred.
“This year is looking like a particularly bad season – flu rates are much higher at this time than they were at this time last year,” said Dr. Stewart.
“And we know that there have been some changes in the circulating flu virus, which means people may be more susceptible to infection. So it’s just really important that everyone gets vaccinated because it looks like it’s going to be a bad year.”
The NHS has also ordered an ‘SOS emergency flu jab’ as there are just weeks to go until the worst of the flu outbreak.
This year’s vaccination is extremely effective at protecting against flu, which could affect children in hospital if the dose is particularly high. (Getty Images)
Why are flu vaccinations particularly important for children?
The RCPCH emphasizes that even healthy children can become very ill from flu. The virus can cause complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, bronchitis or sepsis and, in severe cases, require hospital treatment. In the worst case, death can occur.
Dr. Stewart added: “Unfortunately [flu] can kill. Children die from the flu every year, so it’s definitely not just a bad cold.”
The flu spreads quickly in schools and kindergartens, so vaccinating children also helps protect families and communities.
The NHS offers the nasal spray flu vaccine free for:
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All children aged two to three years (on August 31, 2025)
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All primary and secondary school children (Reception for the 11th grade)
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Children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions such as asthma, heart or lung disease, diabetes or weakened immune systems.
The nasal spray is administered once a year and provides protection within two to three weeks. Parents of preschool children should receive an invitation from their family doctor, while school-age children will be vaccinated by school vaccination teams. Children ages two to three can also get vaccinated at some local pharmacies that offer free flu shots.
“Even if your child is healthy, the vaccine helps prevent the spread of the flu to those who could become very sick. A quick nasal spray can protect them all season long,” she added.
And the numbers prove it: According to the latest findings from the UKHSA, this year’s flu vaccine is showing good results despite the emergence of a new H3N2 strain. Initial data shows that effectiveness is up to 75% in children and around 40% in adults.
Even healthy children can become seriously ill with the flu. (Getty Images)
What are the symptoms of flu in children?
According to the RCPCH and NHS, flu symptoms in children can appear suddenly and include:
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Aching muscles and joints
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Extreme tiredness or lethargy
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Dry cough, sore throat or runny nose
When you need medical attention
Flu symptoms are more severe than those of a cold. Parents should seek medical attention if a child has difficulty breathing, is drowsy or unresponsive, or refuses fluids.
What side effects can the flu vaccination have in children?
The nasal spray flu shot is quick, painless, and highly effective. Some children may be offered an injection instead if they have certain medical conditions, allergies, or a weakened immune system.
According to the NHS, nasal spray side effects are usually mild and short-lived and may include:
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Occasionally slight temperature.
The injected flu vaccine may cause a mild fever, muscle aches, or pain at the injection site, but these go away quickly. Neither vaccine can cause flu itself – the nasal version contains weakened viruses and the injected version contains inactivated ones.
Parents are urged to get their children vaccinated before the worst flu season hits. (Getty Images)
What to do if your child hasn’t had a flu shot yet?
If your child has missed the school vaccination or you have not received an email, contact your GP, local pharmacist or local vaccination service for a catch-up appointment.
Dr. Stewart emphasized that this was easy to accomplish due to the pressures of everyday and family life. “Embarrassingly, this happened to me last year. I missed the email. As someone who is very pro-vaccine, I missed the email. So it’s really easy for busy parents to miss it.”
The RCPCH has also produced a new flu information sheet for parents which aims to address common concerns and provide clear guidance on childhood flu vaccines and their benefits.
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