‘Particularly Bad’ Flu Season Sparks Urgent Warning
A leading pharmacist has issued an urgent warning to parents across the UK as cases of a new, highly contagious flu strain continue to surge. George Sandhu, deputy superintendent for Well Pharmacy, has emphasised the need for immediate action, citing an ‘unusually early start’ to the flu season that is putting significant pressure on the NHS.
Rising Cases and Low Vaccine Uptake
Data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals a severe uplift in flu infections, particularly among children. Alarming figures show that over a fifth of five to 14-year-olds taking a PCR test are being diagnosed with the flu, indicating rapid spread within schools.
Compounding the problem is a lower uptake of the flu vaccine compared to the same period last year. To date, approximately 14.4 million patients have received the jab, which is around four million short of the NHS target set last year. This year's season has been described as ‘particularly bad’ by Dr Helen Steward, RCPCH officer for health improvement.
Protection Against the H3N2 Strain
The dominant strain causing concern is H3N2, a ‘drifted’ virus that has evolved after the development of this year’s flu vaccine. Despite this, health authorities stress that the vaccine remains the best defence.
Analysis from the UKHSA confirms the flu vaccine is currently 70 to 75% effective at preventing hospitalisation in children aged 2 to 17. For adults, it is 30 to 40% effective against severe illness. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist for Immunisation at UKHSA, stated, ‘Whatever strains do circulate here this winter, we can be confident that the vaccine will still help to protect those most vulnerable.’
Mr Sandhu warned that unvaccinated children are at higher risk of severe complications, including pneumonia and hospitalisation. He urged parents to act quickly, noting, ‘It takes two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective... meaning your child is as safe as can be.’ The children's nasal spray vaccine is described as quick and painless.
Eligible groups for the free NHS flu vaccine include all children aged 2-16 (via nasal spray), those over 65, pregnant women, and people with certain underlying health conditions.
