Flu and COVID could make this a hard winter for UK

As reported by the BBC, The UK must prepare for a big, early wave of flu, experts warn

UK Health Security Agency chief medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins told BBC News that COVID cases “looked like they were turning in all four nations in the UK”.

“We do believe we are starting to see our autumn wave of Covid,” she said.

NHS director for vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “This winter could be the first time we see the effects of the so called ‘twindemic’ with both COVID and flu in full circulation, so it is vital that those most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses come forward for vaccines in order to protect themselves and those around them.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says this year’s flu jab is a good match for the type of seasonal influenza that is circulating – a strain called H3N2.

The number of excess deaths that winter in England and Wales exceeded 50,000 – the highest recorded since the winter of 1975-76 – with around 22,000 thought to be associated with flu. Vaccination can help prevent people getting very sick, and the NHS is offering free flu shots to about 33 million people in the UK this autumn. About 26 million people are also eligible for a free Covid booster to top up their immunity.

Covid and flu vaccines are recommended for those at higher risk of illness, which includes those over 50, pregnant women, people with certain underlying health conditions, care-home residents and front-line health and social care workers.

The UK is using an updated vaccine for the COVID booster, targeting both the original and the omicron version of the pandemic virus. It is safe to receive the flu shot at the same appointment. Meanwhile, all primary school children and some secondary school children, as well as youngsters aged two or three, can get a free nasal spray flu vaccine.

Most young children will not have encountered flu yet. This means they will not have built up any natural immunity to this virus, so it is particularly important for them to take up the flu vaccine this year, say experts. GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches throughout the flu season. If you cannot get an appointment straight away, ask if you can book one for when more vaccines are available.