Health officials have issued a warning as a new strain of flu is causing an 'unusually early start' to the season.
According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the number of flu cases admitted in England last week was 3.9 per 100,000 people.
This figure has slightly altered from the previous week's count of 4.0.
The highest hospital admission rates are among those aged 85 and above, with 16.2 per 100,000 people - an increase from the prior week's 13.4; children aged four and under at 10.4 (a decrease from 13.1); and individuals aged 75 to 84 at 9.8 (down from 11.6).
Last week, hospital trusts across England reported 394 new hospital admissions for flu, a decline from 466 the previous week but still higher than the 302 recorded two weeks earlier.
Meanwhile, flu positivity rates continue to climb, with 11.9 percent of hospital patient tests returning positive compared to 10.9 percent the week before. This indicates that while admissions have varied, the spread of flu among patients is steadily on the rise.
Dr Conall Watson, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "Flu continues to increase overall, despite the half-term break slowing transmission temporarily.
"Today we're issuing a further vaccine call to arms in our fight against flu," reports the Express.
"This upward trend reinforces the importance of vaccination for anyone eligible, especially as we head into a busy period with greater indoor mixing, when we typically see flu cases going up.
"Analysis shows children and adults are already receiving strong protection from this year's flu vaccines and I encourage anyone eligible to book their vaccination appointment sooner rather than later."
This follows warnings from the Chief Executive of NHS England, Sir Jim Mackey, who warned that "thousands will die" from flu this winter.
Flu jabs are offered to a broad range of individuals, including those aged 65 and above, younger people in clinical risk categories, care home residents and carers, expectant mothers, close contacts of those with compromised immune systems, frontline health and social care staff, and children.
Appointments can be arranged or accessed via walk-in sessions at local chemists, GP practices, and community clinics nationwide.
Parents are urged to complete consent forms for school vaccinations or book appointments for children aged two to three, helping ensure they are safeguarded against flu before the Christmas period.