This year's flu season in the UK started significantly earlier than in previous years, as early as October, with the percentage of positive flu tests rising rapidly[1][2]. Hospitalizations in England hit record highs, with an average of 1,717 flu patients in hospital in November, accounting for 2% of hospital beds and an increase of more than 50% on last year[1]. In Scotland, hospital admissions increased by 70% in one week[1]. A new subtype of the H3N2 virus, which spreads faster and is dominant this season, has an impact[1][6]. Schools are also affected, for example in Wales a school was temporarily closed due to 250 cases of flu-like illness[1]. According to UK data, the effectiveness of the flu vaccine is 70-75% in children and 30-40% in adults, but vaccination often comes late due to the early onset of the epidemic[1]. Overall, the number of flu-related hospitalizations increased by approximately 50% compared to last year[1].