Lloyds Pharmacy Issues Flu Warning as NHS Reports Early Flu Season
This year, the flu season has started sooner than usual in the UK. The NHS reports an early winter flu wave arriving about a month ahead of expectations, with cases now three times higher than at this point last year.
UK Flu Cases Surge
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) indicates that flu cases have climbed from 6.1% to 8.2% this week, driven mainly by infections among school-aged children. In comparison, cases were only at 2.9% around the same time last year.
This early surge raises concerns about flu spreading further into the general population and possibly causing a "long and drawn-out flu season."
NHS Response to Early Flu Peak
To combat the increasing flu cases, the NHS is intensifying its autumn and winter vaccination efforts. So far this season, 12.2 million flu vaccines have been administered across the country.
Expert Advice from LloydsPharmacy Doctor
Dr. Bhavini Shah, GP at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, emphasizes the critical role of flu vaccinations in preventing illness and warns of the risks for those eligible who skip their flu jab.
"Flu season typically begins in the autumn and peaks between December and February, so getting vaccinated early gives your body time to build immunity before the virus starts circulating widely."
"It takes around two weeks for the vaccine to provide full protection."
Summary
The early and sharp rise in flu cases highlights the importance of timely vaccination to mitigate a potentially prolonged flu season in the UK.