🌬️ Flu Season 2025: What’s New in the UK and How to Stay Ahead
Every winter, flu quietly makes its comeback – but this year, it’s arrived earlier and stronger than expected.
Hospitals are already reporting more cases than usual, and the government has rolled out major updates on how flu is treated and prevented.
Here’s what you need to know to stay one step ahead of it.
💊 1. You can now get flu antivirals year-round
Until recently, GPs and pharmacists could only prescribe medicines like Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir) after the government declared “flu season” officially open.
That rule’s gone.
From 2025 onward, antivirals can be prescribed all year for anyone at higher risk of serious flu – such as older adults, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions (like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).
💡 Why this matters:
Flu doesn’t always wait for winter. This change means people can get treatment as soon as they need it, without bureaucratic delays.
🧬 2. A new flu medicine is entering the scene
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) now includes a newer drug in its guidance – Baloxavir marboxil.
It works by blocking the flu virus’s ability to replicate and may only need one dose to work.
It’s not yet common in UK pharmacies, but doctors expect to see it used more over the next few years – especially for patients who can’t tolerate older antivirals.
📈 3. Flu season has started early
According to NHS England, flu cases have jumped sharply in recent weeks, rising from around 6% to over 8% in national surveillance data.
Experts warn that 2025–26 could bring a long, drawn-out winter for both patients and the NHS.
🩺 Tip: Get vaccinated as early as possible — ideally before the end of November – to build immunity before flu spreads further.
💉 4. Who can get a free NHS flu vaccine in 2025
The 2025 vaccine rollout covers:
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Adults aged 65 and over
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Pregnant women
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Children aged 2–3 and all school-aged children up to Year 11
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People with chronic conditions (e.g., heart, lung, liver, kidney, or immune disorders)
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Carers and frontline health or care workers
Many local pharmacies now offer flu and COVID-19 boosters together, saving you an extra appointment.
🤧 5. What to do if you catch the flu
Most people recover in about a week, but it can still hit hard.
Here’s how to manage symptoms at home:
🛌 Rest – your body needs energy to fight the virus.
🥤 Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids.
💊 Paracetamol or ibuprofen – to ease fever and aches.
🏠 Stay home – avoid spreading it while contagious (usually 3–5 days).
If you’re at risk of complications, see your GP quickly – antivirals work best within 48 hours of symptom onset.
⚠️ 6. Doctors are watching for antiviral resistance
Flu viruses change constantly. Some are showing signs of reduced sensitivity to older medicines.
That’s why UKHSA has updated how it defines “severe” vs. “non-severe” flu – helping doctors prescribe more precisely and track resistance better.
🌟 The bottom line
This year’s flu season is early, active, and unpredictable – but the UK’s new medical guidance gives us more tools than ever to fight back.
💬 Get vaccinated early. Know the symptoms. Ask about antivirals if you’re at risk.
Small steps now can save you (and your loved ones) a lot of suffering later this winter.
If you think you have the flu, please book an appointment. We offer a rapid flu test during the consultation for £15, helping you get an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment quickly.
🧾 Sources:
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Department of Health and Social Care
NHS England
Community Pharmacy England
GOV.UK Updates (November 2025)
