Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable
Share:
Experts have issued an urgent warning ahead of tomorrow's festivities amid spiralling flu infections — calling for 'lockdown' style measures to protect the most vulnerable. Speaking to MailOnline, public health specialists say those with even mild cold symptoms should consider self-isolating as they may unknowingly have the virus which can be fatal to older people.
![[This Government chart shows the influenza vaccine uptake among different groups of frontline healthcare workers in England this year (dark blue) and last year (light blue)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/24/12/93455227-14224173-image-m-3_1735043322096.jpg)
Along with avoiding family gatherings, they have recommended mask-wearing and social distancing in a bid to avoid passing on the bug. Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases from the University of East Anglia, said: 'If you are ill with flu you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week.
![[Data suggests the flu jab used in the southern hemisphere, which the one being rolled out in the UK is based on, could be up to 30 per cent less effective than normal]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/24/12/93074311-14224173-NHS_leaders_are_urging_people_eligible_for_a_flu_vaccine_to_come-a-4_1735043441009.jpg)
'This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk.'. Flu symptoms include a fever, sore throat, muscle aches and a cough, however Prof Hunter warned many people simply suffer something similar to a common cold.
About a fifth of those infected with flu have no symptoms but can still pass the bug on to others, he added. It comes latest data shows a high flu burden in the NHS with nearly 3,000 Brits in England hospitalised as of the end of last week with the virus, with over 150 of these considered to be in a critical condition.
Scores of Brits have flooded social media saying they are the 'sickest they have ever been' as flu continues to rip through the nation. Stock image. I want to be better for Christmas😢 No vlogmas today! Even using a filter i look awful. Flu going around the UK ! #ukflu #flu #unwell #poorly.
