'Get protected now': Warning over ‘triple threat’ before Christmas after cold, flu and RSV outbreaks
Those eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to come forward 💉
- Health experts are warning those eligible to come forward for their flu vaccine.
- It comes after an unusually early start to the flu season.
- Cases of the flu, RSV and the cold have been steadily rising.
Those eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to come forward so they are fully protected ahead of the peak of the flu season.
It comes after an unusually early start to the flu season, with cases nearly triple the same time last year. The warning signs have been there, with Australia often predicting what is to come for the UK, experiencing the biggest flu season in its history last winter.
A leading pharmacist is urging those of all ages to get vaccinated amid fears the NHS is facing one of the worst ever flu outbreaks in history.
Data released by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed a severe uplift in flu infections, with one in three children aged five to 14 who received a positive PCR test.
To make matters worse, uptake of the vaccine is currently lower than last year, with around 14.4 million patients getting the vaccine, around five million short of the NHS target from last year.
Ahead of the Christmas rush, when millions head home to family over the festive period, it is vital that as many people as possible protect themselves to stop the spread.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent of Well Pharmacy, is urging people to be on their guard against flu, Covid and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) this winter.
Mr Sandhu said: “Flu, cold and RSV pose a very real threat to the health of millions of people across the UK, these viruses are serious, and Brits must take action against them by getting vaccinated.
“When people travel home this Christmas, they risk taking their viruses back with them across the country and continuing the spread of flu and colds.
“Flu is a horrible virus for all, although many people are able to fight it, but it can be deadly for elderly and vulnerable people, so ensure that you protect those you love this year by getting vaccinated.”
Who can get a flu vaccine?
The flu spreads quickly from person to person through speaking, coughing and sneezing. Symptoms of the flu can appear very quickly and include:
- Sudden high temperature
- Aches in the body
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Exhaustion
- Difficulty sleeping
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
One of the best ways to protect yourself against the flu is to get a flu vaccine. The groups who are eligible include children aged two to 17, adults aged 65 and over, under 65 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions.
If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, you can access it by either booking an appointment with your GP, booking a free NHS appointment at a vaccine clinic or your local pharmacy or walking in for a vaccine at participating pharmacies.
Who is eligible for an RSV vaccine?
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds, although the infection can usually get better by itself. While the infection is extremely common, it often tends to affect children under the age of two.
Although the infection is not usually serious, it can certainly be for babies, young children who were born prematurely and adults over the age of 75.
Symptoms of an RSV infection will normally start within a few days of a person being infected by the virus. Most people will only get cold-like symptoms from RSV, including;
- Runny or blocked nose
- A cough
- Sneezing
- Tiredness
- A high temperature
If the RSV infection becomes more serious and leads to pneumonia, then it can also cause a cough that gets worse or shortness of breath. Some adults might also get confused and experience noisy breathing, otherwise known as wheezing.
The RSV vaccine is available on the NHS to those 28 weeks pregnant or more, aged 75 to 79, or who turned 80 years old after September 1, 2024.
How to avoid getting the flu?
As well as ensuring you are vaccinated if you are eligible, practising good hygiene can help protect you from the flu, RSV and Covid.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist for Immunisation at UKHSA said: “Good respiratory hygiene is also key in preventing the transmission of flu and other viruses. Anyone with symptoms - including high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – should minimise contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.
“Wash hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated, and if you need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering.”
The flu season has started unseasonably early this winter. You can find out more about who is eligible and how to access a vaccine at NHS.UK.