Top doctors in plea to parents to protect children from flu

LEADING children's doctors have implored parents to get their children the nasal spray that protects against flu amid concerns over a particularly bad flu season.

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Even previously healthy children can become seriously ill with flu, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said.

It comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said children and adults are receiving "strong protection" from this year's flu vaccine.

The UKHSA said data suggests the 2025/26 vaccine is currently 70-75% effective at preventing hospital attendance in children aged two to 17 and 30-40% effective in adults.

This is despite a new strain driving an early surge in flu cases.

Officials said a "drifted" influenza A(H3N2) strain, also now known as subclade K, currently dominates cases in England.

Health leaders have warned that the flu season has started "unusually early" this year, as data points to hospital activity already reaching levels not usually seen until December.

This includes rising rates of hospital admissions among younger children.