The National Health Service (NHS) has issued an urgent appeal as flu cases are increasing with the return of children to school after the half-term break. Data released by the UK Health Security Agency today is anticipated to confirm a continued rise in infections primarily driven by children, raising concerns that the trend may extend to older age groups.
The head of the NHS has cautioned that the upcoming winter could witness the worst flu season on record in Britain. Recent statistics from Australia, which experiences flu outbreaks six months ahead of the UK, have shown a significant surge in infections, reaching the highest levels since 2001. Concurrently, Japan has closed schools due to a flu epidemic.
Dr. Suzanna McDonald, the national lead for the influenza program at UKHSA, highlighted the early onset of flu this year and emphasized the potential for further spread in the coming weeks. She emphasized the severity of flu, noting that while some mistake it for a severe cold, flu can be dangerous and even fatal for vulnerable individuals.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, stressed the importance of timely flu vaccinations to mitigate the impact of the upcoming flu season. He urged eligible individuals to utilize the over 2.4 million available vaccination appointments to combat the early wave of flu cases and protect themselves before the winter period, when viruses are more prevalent, and healthcare services face heightened strain.
UK Health Security Agency estimates revealed a significant increase in flu-related deaths in England last winter compared to the previous year, with child fatalities also rising. Health officials at St George’s, Epsom, and St Helier hospitals are bracing for a challenging winter, urging people to get vaccinated well in advance as the vaccine takes up to 14 days to become fully effective.
Australia and Japan have witnessed severe flu outbreaks due to the mutated H3N2 strain, which has evolved to evade immunity from previous vaccines, making it more aggressive. Although flu shots offer substantial protection and can prevent severe illness, their efficacy may be slightly reduced compared to previous years due to the strain’s mutations.
Sir Jim Mackey, CEO of NHS England, warned of potential challenges ahead, drawing parallels between Australia’s recent record-breaking flu season and the anticipated strains on NHS services in the upcoming months. Health officials in the UK had previously noted an early onset of flu, emphasizing the importance of flu vaccinations, especially among vulnerable populations.
Efforts to increase vaccination rates are ongoing, with 13.3 million flu vaccines already administered this autumn. However, a significant portion of eligible groups, such as over-65s and care home residents, remain unprotected. Parents are reminded to complete vaccination consent forms for their children or book appointments for 2 to 3-year-olds to ensure protection before the holiday season.
Duncan Burton reiterated the safety and effectiveness of the flu vaccine in preventing serious illness and hospitalization, urging individuals to seek vaccination at local pharmacies, through the NHS App, GP practices, or by calling 119. Flu vaccines are available for various groups, including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and healthcare workers.
Eligible adults can conveniently book flu vaccine appointments through multiple channels, including local pharmacies, the NHS App, GP practices, online booking platforms, and by calling 119. Additionally, a pharmacy finder tool can help locate nearby walk-in vaccination services, promoting easy access to flu vaccinations for those in need.
