EXPERTS have called for a return of social distancing as cases of the flu surge across the UK this Christmas.
Even those with symptoms of a mild cold should consider self-isolating in case they carry a virus which could be fatal to those most vulnerable, health specialists warn.
Family gatherings should also be avoided as well as wearing masks and social distancing – all to avoid passing on the horror bug, experts told MailOnline.
Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said: “If you are ill with flu you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week.
“This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk.”
For many people, having the flu will feel like an exaggerated cold.
The NHS states that flu symptoms can come on very quickly.
They include:
The dry cough could be similar to the cough experienced by people who have contracted coronavirus.
The NHS states that the symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
The health service offers a free flu jab to those most at risk of getting the virus, so if you qualify then you can get it free anywhere that offers it.
In line with JCVI advice, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From October 3:
From September 1:
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
Those eligible for an RSV vaccine are:
his can be at your doctor’s surgery as well as supermarket pharmacies like Asda and high street favourites like Boots.
If you’re not in the eligible groups entitled to a free vaccination listed below, you can pay for a flu jab at certain stores.
The latest data shows a high flu burden within the NHS with almost 3,000 Brits in England hospitalised as of the end of last week with the virus.
Over 150 of those are considered to be in a critical condition.
In comparison, there were just 700 total hospitalisations at the same time last year.
And experts also warn that the worst could be coming with there being a surge in illness brought on from socialising over the holiday season and New Year.
Earlier this month, an average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospital every day, up from 1,099 the previous week – 3.5 times higher than the same time last year.
Health chiefs pleaded with Brits to get vaccinated immediately if eligible to avoid “festive flu” before it was “too late”.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, boss of NHS England, said: “The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS – the figures are adding to our ‘quad-demic’ worries.”
He added: “With one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid ‘festive flu.'”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said: “With A&Es facing record demand, we are continuing to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.”
Isabel Shaw, health reporter, put nine well-known cold and flu remedies to the test when she was struck down with the lurgy.
Over a week, she tested products that targeted all symptoms associated with cold and flu, as well as treatments that only aimed to get rid of specific issues.
These included:
She took into account pain reduction, and how quickly and for how long they worked.
Read her full verdicts here.
