What experts mean by “super flu”
A severe flu wave in England is being described in the media as a “super flu.” Dutch experts told RTL Nieuws that this wave is likely to reach the Netherlands as well, and that another flu epidemic this winter is very likely.
“Super flu” is not an official medical category. It is a headline term used when flu spreads fast, causes more hospital pressure than usual, or hits many people at once. In practice, it often points to a season where influenza activity is high and healthcare services feel the strain.
What is happening in England right now
Health services in England have reported unusually heavy flu pressure for this time of year. NHS England said flu hospitalisations jumped sharply, with an average of 2,660 patients per day in hospital with flu last week: described as the highest ever for this point in December, and up 55% in a week.
UK surveillance reporting also shows rising influenza positivity, especially among school-age children, which can drive wider spread through households and communities.
Why the Netherlands is likely to follow
Flu waves often move across countries because people travel frequently and influenza spreads easily through indoor contact in winter. Dutch specialists said England’s surge is expected to “make its way” to the Netherlands.
This fits a broader pattern: influenza activity in the northern hemisphere has been rising since early autumn, with Influenza A (including A(H3N2)) prominent in recent global reporting.
Flu epidemics are back
Dutch flu seasons have largely returned to pre-pandemic patterns since COVID measures ended. RIVM reporting on last season notes the Netherlands had a flu epidemic in early 2025 (lasting several weeks), and that serious respiratory infections can still lead to ICU admissions during peak periods.
That history is one reason experts expect a new winter wave: flu tends to return each season, and the Netherlands has not “skipped” many seasons outside the COVID years.
Who is most at risk
Most people recover from flu at home, but risks are higher for:
Older adults (especially 60–65+)
People with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems
Pregnant people
Very young children
These groups are also the ones most likely to need medical care if symptoms become severe.
What people can do now
Public health advice is broadly consistent across countries and seasons:
Get the flu shot if you are eligible (and encourage vulnerable family members to do the same). Vaccination remains the main tool to reduce severe illness and hospitalisation during flu waves.
Stay home when you are sick if you can, especially with fever and heavy symptoms, to reduce spread in workplaces and schools.
Ventilate indoor spaces (opening windows regularly, especially in crowded rooms). Experts increasingly highlight indoor air quality as a practical way to limit spread of respiratory viruses.
Basic hygiene still matters: handwashing, covering coughs, and avoiding close contact with high-risk people when you are ill.
What to watch in the coming weeks
If the UK wave is a leading indicator, the Netherlands could see higher GP visits for flu-like symptoms and more pressure on hospitals as Christmas gatherings increase indoor contact. UK health leaders have already urged people to be careful around the festive period and to use vaccination and common-sense precautions to limit spread.
Dutch health data will become clearer as RIVM and surveillance systems report weekly trends, but the message from experts is already straightforward: the Netherlands should prepare for a noticeable flu season, and small preventive steps now can reduce pressure later.
