The UK Health Security Agency is urging everyone eligible for the flu vaccine to come forward for their jabs as data is published showing a large increase in the number of recorded flu cases.
There has also been an increase in emergency department flu attendances and hospital admissions in the last week.
So far this year, flu vaccine uptake in eligible groups is similar to the last couple of years.
From 4 to 10 December 2023, the UKHSA national influenza and COVID-19 surveillance report showed that there was a notable increase in influenza positivity to 5.6 per cent, up from 2.4 per cent in the previous week, based on data from Respiratory DataMart and primary care surveillance indicated a rise in influenza-like-illness (ILI) consultations to 5.3 per 100,000, compared to 4.6 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Influenza hospitalisations have increased, including a rise in emergency department attendances across the country. There was also an increase in intensive care unit (ICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) admissions, with 35 new admissions in week 49.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director for Immunisation and Programmes at UKHSA, said: "Flu levels are on the rise, so get your vaccine now to make sure that you are Winter Strong, and before pharmacies and surgeries begin to close for the Christmas period. Pregnant women, their unborn babies and those in clinical risk groups are at higher risk of complication from flu. Taking up both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines provides the best protection for both pregnant women and their baby, reducing the risk of severe complications, intensive care needs, stillbirth, and prematurity.
"If you are the parent of a child aged 2 or 3 years, don’t forget that they are also eligible for the flu vaccine and this can be booked via your GP – the nasal spray will help prevent hospitalisations, reduce the spread of flu in the community and avoid you having to juggle a sick child with work and other commitments.
"The NHS national booking system is closed. But eligible persons can still continue to speak to their GP, or alternatively a local pharmacist about getting their vaccination.
"Flu antivirals are effective in helping to keep people out of hospital and preventing the virus spreading to other more vulnerable household and family members. Now that we are seeing flu increasing it’s important that GPs consider the possibility of flu in respiratory patients and the use of antivirals in line with national guidance, particularly if they have ruled out COVID-19.
"You can help reduce the spread of these infections by avoiding mixing with others where possible when showing signs of a respiratory illness like flu and COVID-19, particularly those who are more vulnerable."
Deputy chief medical officer Professor Thomas Waite said: "The latest data indicates the flu season is very much underway and COVID-19 infections are increasing.
"The use of antivirals against flu in primary care will help protect the most vulnerable over the winter. If you are eligible and have not managed to get vaccinated yet, now is the time."
Image by Mojca-Peter from Pixabay
