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The number of influenza cases in the country has doubled to reach two million in one week, according to figures released today.
Health officials have confirmed that this winter's flu virus has begun to be vaccinated.
This occurs after weeks of very low activity reported by Public Health England (PHE).
Millions of people suffer from symptoms such as fever, chills and body aches, and experts worry that this will put pressure on the already stretched NHS.
The virus is now widespread in the UK and in one week the number of cases has increased by 85% in England and 55% in Wales.
Meanwhile, influenza cases have increased by 139% and 50% in Northern Ireland.
PHE publishes a weekly report indicating the number of flu symptoms recorded during family doctor visits.
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Depending on how often flu symptoms are reported per 100,000 patients, each country sets its own criteria for what it considers an epidemic.
Although no country of origin has yet reached the stage of the epidemic, England and Wales are at a "low" level.
This is the second step on a five-point scale towards "very high" levels of epidemic.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, levels are at the first threshold, which is the base.
The Northeast, the West Midlands, the North West of England and the Yorkshire and Humber have a "medium intensity" of cases, making it the most affected.
London, the southeast, East Midlands, South West and East of England are less affected and are at 'low intensity'.
Regional figures are not available for Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Rates are at their lowest since surveillance began in September and over three months more than 41 people have died as a result of the disease.
The PHE figures released today revealed that the UK had an average of 60 influenza diagnoses per 100,000 population last week.
And this showed that the H1N1 strain (swine flu) was the most widespread.
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The week before, there was a 76% increase, which was the last week of 2018.
PHE added that the increase in the number of cases means that the flu has a "moderate impact" on hospitals and intensive care units.
One-third of this season's influenza-intensive cases occurred this past week – 205 cases out of a total of 666.
PHE advises anyone eligible to receive the influenza vaccine if it is not already done.
For the first time this winter, all primary school children are now eligible for a free nasal flu vaccine as well as children aged two and three on August 31, 2018.
The vaccine is also available to staff working in residential care facilities and nursing homes this winter who have regular contact with clients.
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In addition, caregivers, volunteers providing care or providing first aid at public events, as well as community first responders, are eligible for the vaccine.
And adults with morbid obesity – with a body mass index greater than or equal to 40 – may also benefit from a free jab.
Those who are not eligible for a free NHS vaccine – such as healthy adults – can pay for one at their local pharmacy pharmacy between £ 8 and £ 10.
In order to improve the effectiveness, different influenza vaccines recommended for different age groups were introduced this year.
There are a total of four different types: one for children (nasal spray), two for adults under 65 and one for those 65 and older.
If you think you have the flu, check the Symptom Checker at www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu.
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