NHS plea: Get a flu jab now

Appeal as hospital cases reach double the peak of last season

- Hanna Geissler

HEALTH chiefs have issued an urgent plea to get vaccinated to avert a winter crisis as Britain's flu season takes off.

After two years when of Covid restrictions keeping cases very low, infections could rebound dramatically due to low immunity.

The number of patients in hospital with flu is already more than double the last season's peak, NHS figures show.

An average of 344 were onwards in England last week, 10 times the figure at the same time last year.

There were 29 in intensive care, compared with just three in the same week last November. Admissions to critical care are now higher for flu than for Covid.

Writing in the Daily Express today, Health Secretary Steve Barclay says this winter will "one of the most difficult yet" for the embattled NHS.

He points out for some people, flu is merely unpleasant, but for others who have other health conditions, it can prove dangerous and even life-threatening.

Mr Barclay adds: "Earlier this month, I joined the over 17 million people that have come forward for their flu jab, at the same time as I got my booster for Covid-19.

"It was quick and easy, and I'd urge all Express readers to come forward and join me if you haven't already."

In a sign of escalating concern, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommended antiviral medicines should be made available in the community.

The drugs, which reduce risk of serious illness, can now be prescribed by GPs to vulnerable patients who have symptoms of flu or live with someone who has it.

England's chief medical officer, Professor Sir Chris Whitty, said: "We are currently seeing higher rates of flu at this time of year than usual. It is important those eligible have their flu jab as soon as they can.