MILLIONS of families face a miserable Christmas after the “sharpest” rise in flu cases so far this winter.
Health officials warn lurgy season is “officially underway”, and will likely worsen as the weather gets colder and Brits get together indoors.
GettyFlu cases have risen ‘sharply’ in the last week, data shows[/caption]
UK Health Security AgencyThe number of flu cases has risen ‘sharply’[/caption]
Influenza positivity rose “notably” to 5.6 per cent in the week to December 10, up from 2.4 per cent in the seven days before, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data.
The number of people hospitalised with flu also shot up three-fold, with an average of 2.14 people per 100,000 admitted.
This compares to 0.86 per cent in the previous week.
Separate NHS data shows there were 402 people in hospital with flu each day last week on average – a rise of almost two thirds from 243 the previous week and the highest recorded so far this season.
At least 35 patients were admitted to intensive care or high dependency units in the same period.
And NHS 111 calls for cold or flu climbed, as did GP surgery visits.
A UKHSA spokesperson said: “This week’s surveillance data shows the sharpest weekly increase in flu activity so far this winter, signalling flu season is officially underway.”
People aged 15 to 44 made up most of the sufferers, followed by children aged four and under.
The most commonly reported symptoms in the last seven days were a fever and cough.
Symptoms of flu usually develop one to three days after becoming infected, according to the NHS.
Most people then feel better within about a week, but social contact should be avoided while you are unwell as you can spread the virus from one day before your symptoms start until around seven days later.
It means if you fall ill after December 18, you may not be able to safely see relatives on Christmas Day.
The best way to protect you and your loved ones is to get vaccinated, the government said.
The NHS online booking system, app and 119 phone service have now shut down for appointments.
But eligible groups, including over-65s, frontline health and social care workers and those more at risk of severe illness, can still book jab slots through local NHS vaccination services like pharmacies or walk-in centres.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Thomas Waite said: “If you are eligible and have not managed to get vaccinated yet, now is the time.”
Health Minister Maria Caulfield added: “I’d encourage anyone eligible who is yet to come forward for the vaccine to book an appointment and get protected as soon as possible.
“These additional tools will help us relieve the pressure on our NHS as they cope with the busy Christmas and New Year periods and will provide extra protection not just for you but also for your loved ones.”
And Dr Mary Ramsay, director for immunisation and programmes at UKHSA, said: “Flu levels are on the rise, so get your vaccine now to make sure that you are winter strong, and before pharmacies and surgeries begin to close for the Christmas period.
“Pregnant women, their unborn babies and those in clinical risk groups are at higher risk of complications from flu.
“Taking up both the flu and Covid-19 vaccines provides the best protection for both pregnant women and their baby, reducing the risk of severe complications, intensive care needs, stillbirth, and prematurity.
“If you are the parent of a child aged two or three years, don’t forget that they are also eligible for the flu vaccine and this can be booked via your GP – the nasal spray will help prevent hospitalisations, reduce the spread of flu in the community and avoid you having to juggle a sick child with work and other commitments.”
Other NHS-approved ways to keep you and your family safe from flu and other bugs this festive season include:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay at home when you are unwell
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough
Dispose of used tissues safely and immediately
Wash your hands with soap and warm water often
Disinfect contaminated surfaces frequently
Keep warm (e.g. heat your home to at least 18C)
Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food
Get plenty of sleep
Check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
Call a pharmacy, GP or NHS 111 if you need medical help or advice
If you do fall ill with flu, you will likely experience a high temperature, tiredness, a headache, general aches and pains, a cough, a sore throat and difficulty sleeping.
Loss of appetite, diarrhoea or stomach pain, vomiting, chills, a runny or blocked nose, and sneezing are also common.
Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to help you feel better as quickly as possible. These include:
Resting
Drinking lots of water
Staying warm
Taking paracetamol or ibuprofen
Easing your breathing by using an extra pillow or taking a hot bath or shower
Eating healthy foods
Flu and other seasonal viruses like Covid and norovirus, plus junior doctor strikes, are piling extra pressure on already-struggling hospitals.
Some A&E departments have declared themselves “full”, while critical incidents have been declared at least 12 NHS trusts in the last eight weeks.
The number of medics off sick has also increased, with an average of 49,020 absent each day last week, compared to 47,018 the week before.
Hospital admissions for flu are also up
Who should have flu and Covid vaccines
YOU may be able get a free flu and Covid vaccine on the NHS if you are:
Aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by March 31, 2024)
Have certain health conditions or a learning disability
Are pregnant
Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Are a carer
Are a frontline health or social care worker
Live in a care home
Most children can get the children’s flu vaccine. This includes youngsters who were aged two or three years on August 31, 2023, school-aged children (reception to year 11) and children with certain health conditions.
Jabs are available at GP surgeries, pharmacies, vaccination centres and walk-in sites.
Source: NHS