Seasonal influenza: guidance, data and analysis
The symptoms, diagnosis, management, surveillance and epidemiology of seasonal influenza (flu).
Influenza (flu) is a viral infection affecting the lungs and airways. The symptoms can appear very quickly and include:
- headache
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- aching muscles
- joints
Complications include bacterial pneumonia, and can be life threatening especially in:
- older people
- those with certain underlying health conditions
It occurs most often in winter in the UK and peaks between January and March.
There are 2 types of influenza affecting people:
- influenza A
- influenza B
Influenza B usually causes a milder illness, and is most seen in children.
Information on the different strains of influenza virus can be found on our health protection archive website.
Seasonal influenza risk assessment for 2015 to 2016, for countries in the EU/EEA can be downloaded from the ECDC website
Annual flu programme
Vaccination of at risk groups and children can offer some protection against infection. The NHS plans each year for the demands of flu across England in its annual flu programme.
See Latest vaccine uptake guidance and the latest coverage for figures on seasonal flu vaccination rates.
Diagnosis, management and treatment
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Amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment of influenza National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) technology appraisal 168, February 2009.
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Oseltamivir, amantadine (review) and zanamivir for the prophylaxis of influenza NICE technology appraisal 158, September 2008.
Epidemiology
National and international partners work with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to track influenza’s spread and effect on health worldwide:
- Health Protection Scotland: respiratory infections
- Public Health Agency, Northern Ireland: seasonal influenza
- Public Health Wales: weekly flu activity in Wales
- European influenza surveillance network
- World Health Organization: seasonal influenza
Previous annual flu reports for year 2012 to 2013 to year 2020 to 2021 were published by Public Health England (PHE).
Annual reports for year 2010 to 2011 and year 2011 to 2012 were published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).
Respiratory Virus Unit services and guidance for laboratories
The Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) provides laboratory services for respiratory infections including influenza. Further information and guidance is available on RVU services.
Antiviral resistance
Updates to this page
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Added annual flu report 2024 to 2025.
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Added links to the latest flu surveillance reports.
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Added UK Influenza Network Laboratories: interpretation of influenza-positive results.
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Added weekly national flu report for 2019 to 2020 season.
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Added 'Point of care tests for influenza and other respiratory viruses'.
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Added 'weekly national flu reports: 2018 to 2019 season' to the collection.
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Added 'Influenza-like illness (ILI): managing outbreaks in schools'.
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Added 'Seasonal influenza: managing cases in critical care units' under management and treatment section.
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Web link added for seasonal influenza risk assessment (2015-2016) for countries in the EU/EEA.
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First published.