UK facing long, tough flu season, NHS chiefs Warn

The UK faces a long, drawn-out flu season, England’s NHS boss has warned.

Sir Jim Mackey said there is “no doubt” This winter will be one of the most difficult the health service faces.

It comes as the flu rates started early this year, which is cause for concern because the winter vaccination campaign has a lot of protection.

NHS England has issued a “flu jab sos”, urging those eligible for the free vaccine to come forward.

More than 13 million people have been vaccinated this year, but that’s more than 5 million below the number jabbed last winter.

Sir Jim said: “There is no doubt that this winter will be one of the toughest for our staff to face.

“Since stepping into this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has kept me up at night. And, unfortunately, it seems that fear has become reality.

“Australia has endured the worst flu season on record – more than 410,000 cases – and all signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the months ahead. After December, our hospitals will be at capacity.”

People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions can do a free jab jab on the NHS. Appointments can be booked online, by Phoning 119 or at local pharmacies and GPS.

Children aged two to 16 can also be vaccinated with a nasal spray. That’s what’s most helpful in stopping the spread of the flu.

Some people can buy a flu vaccine from high street chemist shops and some supermarkets.

Two of the worst winter episodes of the last decade have been seen in the last three years, something bounce-backs consider to be a cutter along with immunity.

Last year, nearly 8,000 people died from the flu, and in the 2022-23 flu season there will be nearly 16,000 deaths.

Flu rates are currently three times higher than normal for this time of year, with the highest rates seen among children and young adults. But health officials warn the virus will begin to spread to older groups in the coming weeks.

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “With only weeks left to ensure the worst possible recovery for people with eligible people who have not yet gotten jabbed this year.

“It is important that the public use the available appointments that we are running next week to prevent these flu cases and help in the summer.

“The vaccine has been proven to be safe and helps prevent the risks of getting sick and even being hospitalized from the flu.”