Fearing a perfect storm this winter when paired with COVID-19, the NHS is preparing for the biggest flu outbreak in years.
According to experts, the flu season will start off quickly and hard, resulting in up to 20,000 fatalities and tens of thousands of hospitalizations.
In light of the fact that viruses like the flu and Covid are beginning to spread rapidly, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a warning about a “tough winter.”
They are now pleading with millions of people to be immunized in order to avoid another disastrous winter for the health system.
There are “clear indicators,” according to Dr. Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at UKHSA, that both represent a lethal hazard this winter.
“If you are given a shot, please accept it to protect yourself and lessen the strain on our health services,” she said.
Doctors are especially concerned because since the epidemic, which caused individuals to socialize far less than normal, natural immunity to the flu virus is at its lowest level ever.
Fears of a similar epidemic in the UK have been raised after a sudden rush of cases in Australia, which was mostly driven by youngsters.
According to global monitoring, the H3N2 strain, which is known to cause more severe illness, especially in the very young and the very old, is expected to spread to the UK.
Five years ago, it was to blame for the most devastating flu season to hit the UK, which led to almost 20,000 fatalities and 40,000 hospital admissions.
Experts cautioned that this might have devastating effects on the NHS, which is still attempting to manage the 6.84 million people who are now on the waiting list for care.
The vaccination being administered to a record 33 million individuals this year is intended to combat this strain, and specialists are optimistic that it will provide enough protection.
However, they are concerned that vaccination weariness may cause individuals to disregard reminders for flu shots and Covid boosters, which may be disastrous for the NHS.
In order to stop the spread of the flu and safeguard children from life-threatening illnesses, doctors are especially anxious that nursery and primary school children get the flu vaccination.
They issued a warning that thousands of young children may have more severe symptoms than they normally would because they lack immunity.
The nasal spray vaccination will be provided to all primary school students at the school, with secondary schools concentrating on Years 7, 8, and 9, and offering any residual vaccine to Years 10 and 11.
Additionally, it will be made available to everyone over the age of 50, residents of care facilities, expectant women, frontline health and social care personnel, those aged six months to 49 who have a specific medical condition, and relatives of those who have compromised immune systems.
The fall Covid-19 booster vaccination is also available to almost 26 million individuals in England, including those who live in nursing homes, are over 50, and have children under the age of five who are clinically at risk.
Three million doses have already been administered, and those who qualify are advised to schedule by phoning 119 or booking online. Later this fall, anyone between the ages of 50 and 64 who do not belong to an at-risk category will be eligible to receive one.
If supplies permit, those who are eligible for both may get the flu shot and the Covid vaccination at the same time at either their GP office or a pharmacy that provides NHS vaccines.
Health officials issued a warning that there are early signs that Covid rates are starting to increase ahead of the winter, which may cause hospitals to load up and create record waiting lines.
Dr. Thomas Waite, the deputy chief medical officer for England, stated: “Vaccines have saved countless lives over the years, both for Covid and the flu.
It’s crucial that everyone who is eligible get both the Covid and flu vaccinations. “But we must not be complacent – infections will increase once again this winter,” the statement said.
“This winter could be the first time we see the effects of the so-called “twindemic,” with both Covid and the flu in full circulation,” said NHS director for vaccinations and screening Steve Russell. “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.”