BRITS have been warned of their last chance to get a flu jab to protect themselves and loved ones at Christmas.
Cases of flu are “skyrocketing”, health leaders have warned as they urged people to get their flu jab “now or never”.
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It takes two weeks for the vaccine to work, the NHS says, and Christmas is just over a fortnight away.
It means this week – preferably as soon as possible – will give the best protection.
The NHS is “bracing for a challenging winter”, health bosses say, as a result of the “quad-demic” of diseases circulating.
There are rising levels of flu, Covid-19, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, said: “Flu cases are skyrocketing so it’s now or never for older people and children to get themselves jabbed and protected ahead of any family get-togethers they have planned over the festive period.
“Every Christmas we see far too many older adults and children admitted to hospital because of flu, and the best way to avoid this situation is getting your flu jab if you are eligible.
“The flu vaccine is our best defence against winter viruses, and it also helps to reduce pressure on hospitals and hard-working NHS staff who will be working flat out over the Christmas break.
“So I would urge anyone who’s eligible to add booking their flu jab to their list of things to do in the run-up to Christmas so they can protect themselves and their families this December.”
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you are aged 65 or over or at higher risk of serious illness, such as if you are pregnant, have a long-standing heath condition or live with someone who does.
The number of people in hospital with flu is four times higher compared with this time last year, according to figures for the NHS in England.
An average of 1,099 flu patients were in hospital beds each day in the week to December 1, including 39 in critical care.
Cases of flu are highest among those aged five to 14.
Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, told BBC Breakfast: “We’ve seen a real rise in, a spike in, the number of children who are suffering from flu in particular, and often that’s a predictor of a later wave coming in adults.
“So it’s likely that we might see rising demand in adults further down the line.
“So yes, we are bracing ourselves, I think, for a challenging winter ahead.”
Pharmacist Carolina Goncalves, from Pharmica, told Sun Health: “The vaccine takes about 10 to 14 days to become fully effective, so I’d suggest getting it as soon as possible.
“Ideally, it’s best to get vaccinated by early December. However the flu season extends until March, therefore it’s still worth getting the jab for ongoing protection.
“Getting the flu jab is an effective way to lower the risk of infection and avoid a trip to the GP surgery.
“This not only puts less pressure on the NHS by preventing flu-related hospitalisations during the busy winter season but also gives you a great chance at staying healthy in time for the festivities later this month.”
If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can call your GP surgery, ask your pharmacy if it is offering them, book an appointment at a pharmacy online or via the NHS App.
Until December 19, you can call the 119 service free of charge to book a vaccine at a pharmacy.
FREE NHS FREE VACCINE ELIGIBILITY IF YOU:
- Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- You have certain long-term health conditions
- You are pregnant
- Live in a care home
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
When to worry if you have flu
Flu is usually mild enough to treat at home.
After all, there is not a treatment for it – antibiotics do not work as it is a virus.
Symptoms include a high temperature, body aches and a headache, which over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen can help with.
But the NHS says you should consider seeing a GP or calling NHS 111 if:
- You’re worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
- You’re 65 or over
- You’re pregnant
- You have a long-term medical condition – for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
- You have a weakened immune system – for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
- Your symptoms do not improve after 7 days
And you should call 999 if you:
- Get sudden chest pain
- Have difficulty breathing
- Start coughing up a lot of blood
It’s always best to consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about your symptoms or if you are in a high-risk group.
