Although Covid-19 cases have dropped again, experts say a severe flu season has begun in the UK.
Some countries in the Southern Hemisphere have already experienced severe influenza epidemics after two years of low circulation. Australia, for example, had its toughest season in five years.
The U. K. ‘s Health Safety Agency reported Thursday that flu cases rose over the past seven days, with hospitalizations emerging faster among children under five.
Experts say the population is more vulnerable to the flu than the same age this year. Peter Openshaw, Professor of Experimental Medicine at Imperial College London, said: “Every winter there is this kind of expected flu crisis and we expect this crisis to be even bigger than it would be, because nobody has as much background immunity this time around.
However, some scientists, in addition to Professor John Drake of the University of Georgia, say a worse flu season is guaranteed.
Officials have suggested eligible members of the public get a flu shot and get vaccinated against covid-19 as soon as possible as cases increase.
So far, vaccination levels in preschoolers, as well as pregnant women and those younger than 65 years at increased clinical risk of influenza, are lower than in previous years.
Openshaw says the flu has a serious effect on the body and can lead to headaches like bacterial pneumonia and ear and sinus infections.
“The flu is an ugly disease. It doesn’t just affect the nose and lungs. This can cause very serious illness, especially in other people without immunity,” he says.
UKHSA’s Director of Public Programmes, Dr Anna Stuart. Mary Ramsay said, “Don’t delay; come for Covid-19 and flu vaccines as soon as they are offered.
“Vaccines remain our most productive coverage against serious illness and hospitalizations this winter, but it’s also critical that we all be cautious as winter approaches, when other people tend to combine more indoors and the threat increases. If you’re not feeling good, touch with older adults or those with underlying physical conditions.
Currently, all adults over the age of 50, as well as pregnant women and other young people with certain physical conditions, are eligible for a Covid-19 booster and flu shot in the UK. Preschoolers, elementary school children and some older. Young people are also eligible for a loose flu shot.
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