Home / Health / NHS Faces Flu Treatment Crisis: No Proven Cures
NHS Faces Flu Treatment Crisis: No Proven Cures
17 Dec, 2025
Summary
- No proven treatments exist for severe flu patients in NHS hospitals.
- A new 'superflu' strain, H3N2, is causing a dangerous early surge.
- Flu vaccines are less effective for the elderly against this strain.
The National Health Service (NHS) is grappling with a severe lack of proven treatments for flu patients admitted to hospitals. Professor Sir Peter Horby, who previously identified a COVID-19 treatment, is now leading trials to find effective flu therapies.
The current surge is fueled by a new H3N2 strain, referred to as 'superflu,' which poses a greater risk to older individuals. Despite a record number of flu hospitalisations, existing treatments like Tamiflu lack robust evidence for severe cases, unlike treatments developed for COVID-19.
Vaccine effectiveness against the H3N2 strain is notably lower in individuals over 65, with protection rates significantly reduced compared to younger age groups. Experts are investigating if this new strain and waning immunity post-pandemic are contributing factors to the early and intense flu season.
