A record flu wave is growing, according to worrying new data as Britain is braced for its highest infection rates on record and withthe NHS issuing an “urgent SOS”.

New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed the rate of hospital admissions for flu in England stood at 3.8 per 100,000 people last week, up from 2.4 the previous week. It is a level of admissions usually not reached until the start of the peak in December. At this point in 2024 the rate stood at only 1.1 per 100,000 people, while in 2023 it was 0.4 and in 2022 - the worst flu season for a decade - it was 1.4.

It comes as the head of the NHS warned Britain could face its worst flu season on record this winter and a hospital boss admitted thousands more people could die this year.

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Separate data from the Royal College of GPs shows presentations for flu-like illness are continuing to rise around 40 to 60% above the seasonal average.

GPs report that this surge is being driven by children aged under 15 with infection rates twice the national average for the time of year.

Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chair of the Royal College of GPs, told the Mirror: “Flu and other respiratory viruses are beginning to take hold sooner than expected. It’s an early warning sign that flu and other respiratory viruses are beginning to take hold sooner than expected.

“While for most, these winter illnesses will pass with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication, for others they can be far more serious. Older people, babies and young children, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions are all at higher risk of developing complications that may require hospitalisation.”

The RCGP obtained data from 1,800 practices in England which showed people presenting with flu-like illness is highest in the north of the country. All regions had rates higher than the seasonal average for the time of year.

Prof Hawthorne added: “GPs and practice teams up and down the country are working hard to vaccinate as many patients as possible and we would urge everyone who is eligible and hasn’t yet had theirs yet to come forward as soon as possible.

“Getting vaccinated doesn’t only protect you from a nasty bout of flu, but also helps to protect your family, friends and our community. Each flu jab helps reduce the spread and limit outbreaks that could otherwise put further pressure on NHS services as we move deeper into winter.

“For most patients who do catch flu or a cold, the best advice is simple: rest, keep warm, stay hydrated, and manage symptoms with paracetamol or other over-the-counter remedies - your local pharmacist can advise on which remedies may help.

“But if symptoms worsen or you’re concerned about your health – particularly if you’re in one of the vulnerable groups – seek medical advice.”

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Australia and Japan have both been hit hard by flu because the main new strain, called H3N2, has mutated to better escape immunity from previous vaccines. This is because it has mutated to be particularly aggressive. Jabs still offer significant protection - and often prevent serious illness - but less so than previous years.

Amy Clare, 34, from Sutton, said her son Jonah became seriously unwell with flu aged five weeks and was rushed to Epsom Hospital in the winter of 2022. He was admitted the day before Christmas Eve.

Amy said: "When the doctor told us we'd be spending Christmas in hospital, I was devastated. But he was in the best place to get better. The care we received from the moment we walked into A&E was fantastic.

"The staff immediately knew something wasn't right and they were with us every step of the way, running tests and checking on Jonah constantly."

Japan has seen schools closed across the country as infections reach epidemic proportions and thousands have been hospitalised by H3N2.

Speaking earlier this week, Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, said: "Australia has just endured its worst flu season on record - over 410,000 cases - and all the signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the months ahead. From December through to March, our hospitals will be at capacity."