Health experts warn people to get the free NHS flu jab in the coming weeks to reduce their risk
With the most common cause of influenza this winter having arrived from Australia, newly released official figures show that hospitalisations for flu increased 86% week on week.
In the week ending November 17th, the number of people admitted to hospital for flu was twice that of the previous week, according to the latest statistics from Public Health England.
Aussie flu originally hit the headlines following an epidemic in 2017, but is again set to sweep the UK following a troublesome flu season down-under.
Britain experienced its longest flu season in a decade last year, lasting from October to mid-February.
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Public health experts believe we could be in for an equally long flu season this year as the quick-spreading Aussie flu combines with a decline in the uptake of the flu vaccine across the UK, putting vulnerable groups at risk of catching the virus and potentially developing more serious complications as a result including chest infections such as bronchitis, pneumonia or even the worsening of conditions such as asthma and diabetes.
Despite the NHS offering a record number of people a free flu vaccine, with more than 25 million people eligible, 36% of pregnant women and 33% of under 65s who have pre-existing health conditions have received the jab this season so far.
Symptoms for Aussie flu are like those of normal flu, including headaches, fevers, muscle aches, sore throat and coughs however are more severe Aussie flu is said to last much longer than the normal flu, and in some cases can lead to serious respiratory problems and other complications.
Due to this, people who are at risk of having flu complications such as children under the age of 3 or the over 65s, pregnant women and those who have a long-term health condition, are advised to get the flu jab this winter. We’re joined now by pharmacist Deep Patel to talk more about flu and its associated risks as well how we can best look after ourselves this winter.