‘Worst Flu Season in Decades’ Forecast for UK
Health experts are issuing a stark warning that the UK could be facing its most severe influenza outbreak in decades this winter. This alarming prediction follows Australia's record-breaking flu season, a traditional indicator of what Britain can expect.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released figures showing a dramatic increase in flu-related fatalities. Deaths from flu in England more than doubled last winter, rising from 3,555 to 7,757. Tragically, child deaths involving flu also saw a significant increase, from 34 to 53.
NHS Issues Urgent ‘Flu Jab SOS’
With the flu season starting unusually early in October, NHS leaders have declared a ‘flu jab SOS’, urgently calling on eligible people to get vaccinated. Hospital admissions are already rising, with the highest case rates observed in children aged five to 14.
Dr Suzanna McDonald, national lead for the influenza programme at UKHSA, emphasised the seriousness of the situation. “Flu has hit early this year and will only spread in the coming weeks,” she stated. “If you get flu, it is nasty, and for some more vulnerable, it can be deadly. If you’re eligible, it is because you are at greater risk. Don’t regret it later – get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Echoing this concern, Elaine Clancy, chief nursing officer at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals, confirmed they are preparing for a difficult winter. “We’re very concerned that this year could be even worse than the last, which was particularly nasty,” she said. “We see people dying every year from flu, and sadly thousands more will likely die this year.”
Massive Vaccination Drive Underway
In response to the looming crisis, the NHS is making a monumental effort to boost vaccination rates. NHS England has announced 2.4 million vaccination slots available in a single week – a capacity equivalent to vaccinating the entire population of Greater Manchester.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, issued a direct plea: “We are issuing an urgent SOS to the eligible people who have yet to get jabbed this year. It is vital that the public use the over 2.4 million available appointments to stamp out this early wave of flu cases.”
The call for action is supported by Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton, who highlighted that flu cases are already triple what they were at this time last year. She reinforced that vaccination remains the best defence, especially for the most vulnerable.
The flu vaccine is offered for free to specific groups, including everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, and frontline health and social care staff.
