This year is expected to be a bad flu season. Here’s what you can do to help reduce the spread.
Back in October, NHS leaders warned that this year’s flu season could be bad, with flu cases hitting the NHS a month earlier than usual and cases three times higher than the same time last year.
In a sign of things to come, Japan declared a flu epidemic with many schools shut. At the time, NHS leaders warned of a long and drawn-out flu season.
By the end of October, more than 12 million flu jabs had been delivered. This included more than 6.7 delivered to the over 65s, 1.8 million to school-aged children and 366,000 to two and three-year-olds.
At the time, Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “This early rise of flu in children is particularly concerning – especially given that flu circulation in children normally precedes that in adults – so it’s vitally important those eligible come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible to avoid a long and drawn-out flu season.
“The flu virus changes every year, so it’s important to get a vaccination each year to ensure yours and your families protection and to help reduce the spread to others.
“Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to help shield against the virus and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.
Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “We’re seeing an unusually early start to the flu season this year, with the latest data showing a sharp increase among children but also increases in other age groups, with the virus now starting to spread more widely in the community.
“If you’re eligible for a vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness – every year we see many thousands end up in hospital and far too many deaths from flu. It’s crucial that everyone eligible books their appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is our best defence.
“Parents should return school consent forms or arrange GP appointments for 2- to 3-year-olds. The nasal spray vaccine can help stop your child from getting very unwell and reduce the risk of passing flu to vulnerable family members.
“Anyone with flu or COVID-19 symptoms – including high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – should minimise contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, wash hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated.”
Flu jab SOS
The following week the NHS issued a flu jab SOS, with England’s top nurse warning people to get protected as soon as possible. The NHS made available 2.4 million vaccination slots in the next week, enough to vaccinate the whole of Greater Manchester.
Eligible adults were urged to get their jab as soon as possible, after Australia had its biggest flu season in history.
By 6 November, more than 13 million jabs had been delivered included three in five of all care home residents. However, only a third of eligible toddlers had been vaccinated.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “With just weeks left to ensure best protection against the worst of the flu season, 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 we have running next week to stamp out this early wave of flu cases and help shield themselves ahead of winter, when viruses tend to circulate and the NHS faces increased pressure on its services.
“The vaccine is proven to be safe and help prevent those at risk from getting seriously ill and even hospitalised from flu – so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or by calling 119, or speak to your GP practice today about your winter flu vaccine”.
Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: “Vaccination is the best form of defence against flu – particularly for the most vulnerable.
“With flu cases already triple what they were this time last year, I urge everyone eligible to take up one of the 2.4 million appointments available next week.
“Getting vaccinated now means you’ll have the best possible protection in place for yourself and your loved ones, and will also be protecting our NHS as we approach the challenging winter months.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found that the flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter.
In healthcare environments
Healthcare environments are particularly vulnerable to flu outbreaks because of the close contact between patients, staff, and visitors. Preventing transmission is essential to protect vulnerable individuals and reduce pressure on services. One of the most effective measures is vaccination of healthcare workers. Staff immunisation reduces the likelihood of contracting flu and passing it on to patients, making it a cornerstone of infection control.
Strict hand hygiene is another critical defence. Regular handwashing with soap and water, or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser, helps limit the spread of flu viruses from surfaces and equipment. Alongside this, the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves, and gowns is vital, particularly when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed flu.
Isolation and cohorting of patients can also play a major role. Those with flu symptoms should be separated where possible, or grouped together, to prevent cross-infection with non-flu patients. Enhanced cleaning protocols are equally important, with frequently touched surfaces such as bed rails, door handles, and medical equipment disinfected regularly to reduce viral contamination.
Visitor management is another key consideration. Limiting visits during peak flu season, and encouraging symptomatic visitors to stay away, helps protect patients and staff.
Good ventilation in wards and waiting areas further reduces the concentration of airborne flu particles, lowering the risk of transmission.
By combining vaccination with robust infection control practices, healthcare settings can significantly reduce the risk of flu outbreaks.
These measures not only protect patients but also safeguard staff and maintain the resilience of the NHS during the winter months.
