UK flu hotspots revealed as health bosses warn cases soar by 25% and Christmas ‘wipeout’
BRITAIN’S worst-hit areas for flu have been revealed after cases soared by 25 per cent in just a week. The latest figures shows that the North West of England, Essex and South Lanarkshire have had the most reports of most influenza. This data comes from Flusurvey, which relies on patients self-reporting – so the true […]
BRITAIN’S worst-hit areas for flu have been revealed after cases soared by 25 per cent in just a week.
The latest figures shows that the North West of England, Essex and South Lanarkshire have had the most reports of most influenza.
This data comes from Flusurvey, which relies on patients self-reporting – so the true figure in each region is likely to be even higher.
It comes as health bosses warned of a potential “Christmas wipeout” as the highly-infectious disease hit the UK earlier than usual this year.
Parents are being urged to get kids, who are medical professionals described as “super spreaders”, vaccinated as soon as possible.
Kids at risk
More people over the age of 65 have been vaccinated this year compared with 2018, but less than one third of two and three-year-olds have had their jab.
The number of patients booking doctor’s appointments with flu-like symptoms has increased by 24 per cent in the last week, according to the latest data from Public Health England.
NHS National medical director Stephen Powis urged the 25 million Britons eligible for the free vaccination to “get your jab now”.
Children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu, particularly around the holiday season when they’re more likely to see elderly relatives
Stephen Powis
Professor Powis said: “We know that children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu, particularly around the holiday season when they’re more likely to see elderly relatives.
“So our message is simple: the flu season is here, get your jab now.
“It might be the difference between a Christmas to remember, and one to forget.”
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Head of Flu at PHE, added: “Flu season has now started and so it’s really important that people get their flu vaccine as soon as possible to ensure they are protected against this potentially very serious illness.
Flu season has now started and so it’s really important that people get their flu vaccine as soon as possible
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal
“Vaccination uptake in toddlers is lower than we would hope for at this point in the year due to previous delays in delivery of the vaccine, which are now resolved.
“If you have children aged two to three go to your GP to get them vaccinated now.”
Get the jab
This winter, Public Health England (PHE) refreshed its Catch It, Bin It, Kill It campaign aiming to prevent the spread of the highly infectious disease with hygiene advice.
PHE medical director Professor Yvonne Doyle also urged parents with children aged two and three to get them vaccinated “as soon as possible”.
The health service in England has prepared for its largest ever flu protection drive to help keep people well and ease pressure on urgent care services over the colder months.
Chief medical officer Chris Whitty said increasing numbers of people catching the infection puts pressure on hospital services, particularly as the disease worsens health conditions common among older people.
Professor Whitty said: “The winter flu season has started early in the UK and it is important that everyone who is eligible gets the flu jab from their GP or pharmacist.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
- a sudden fever – a temperature of 38C or above
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- nausea and being sick
The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of catching flu, as well as spreading it to others.
It’s more effective to get the vaccine before the start of the flu season (December to March).
Source: NHS UK
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“The vaccine is the best defence against flu whilst practising sensible hygiene can reduce the spread of flu.
Professor Powis added: “For older people and those with underlying health conditions, getting flu is particularly bad news because it can lead to really serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis, which can mean a lengthy stay in hospital.”
People aged over 65, young children, pregnant women and those who have underlying medical conditions are particularly encouraged to book their flu jab, and get a nasal spray from a pharmacy.