Over the past two winters (the spring and summer before that) all talk has been about Covid. But last week, our attention turned to a more familiar seasonal respiratory illness: the flu.
NHS data released today reveals that hospitalizations for the flu virus have Covid admissions exceeded for the first time since the start of the pandemic, and are more than eight times higher than expected at this time of year. 6.76 per 100,000 people in England now have flu, compared to 6.61 per 100,000 for Covid.
On the current trajectory, admissions next week could exceed the peak of the 2017-2018 epidemic – one of the worst in 20 years – which has claimed almost 30,000 lives.
While flu epidemics tend to peak in January or February, with Christmas is comingthe last thing we need is a bad flu, both for our own health and that of our older, more vulnerable relatives.
So what’s the secret to avoiding the flu and how can you protect your family this Christmas?
Why are we seeing so many cases of the flu?
“The main flu doing the rounds right now is a strain called H3N2 and isn’t a particularly nasty flu, but it seems to be quite prevalent,” says Dr Chris Smith, consultant virologist at the Naked Scientists Podcast.
“The main reason we’re seeing such a high number of infections is that the lockdown has disrupted the natural cycle of infection – many people haven’t caught anything for two to three years, making them less immune . As a result, we have a more vulnerable population with many people giving and catching the flu – hence why it spreads so quickly.
What are the main symptoms of the flu?
“Classic symptoms of all flu strains are high temperature, runny nose, cough, muscle aches and deep fatigue,” says Dr. Smith.
Who is most at risk?
“Although most people recover in five days – with plenty of rest – the risk depends on age and other risk factors,” says Dr. Smith. “It varies from person to person. The flu can be deadly for some, especially because the severity of the symptoms places significant stress on the body and means people with certain pre-existing medical conditions are at greater risk of developing complications. »
“Elderly people, those with pre-existing chest problems, those with heart, liver or kidney problems, anyone with an underlying chronic medical condition, and anyone who is immunocompromised or pregnant should all take extra precautions.”
There are antiviral drugs to combat severe cases of the flu, but Dr Smith says they have only been shown to be effective if started very early in the infection.
What increases the risk of getting the flu?
“The flu is a respiratory infection, which means it develops in the nose, throat and airways,” says Dr. Smith. “It means the old adage that ‘coughs and sneezes spread disease’ has never been so true,”
According to Dr. Smith, the “number one problem” is poorly ventilated areas where people cough and sneeze. “The more time you spend with sick people, the more likely you are to catch something,” he says.
Although handwashing plays a more minor role in reducing the spread of the flu, says Dr. Smith. “With influenza, most transmission is through droplets in the air.”
So, is it possible to avoid catching it?
“Prevention is better than cure,” says Dr. Smith. “There’s a good vaccine and it’s a good game this year, so anyone who can should get a shot – that’s the best defence.”
Anyone over 50 and all primary school children are eligible for the vaccine. And where adults get a punch in the arm, kids get a nasal spray.