With winter now well on its way, we all need to make sure that we’re doing all we can to protect our health and keep flu and other seasonal viruses at bay.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) monitors seasonal respiratory viruses to ensure that we have the necessary information and guidance to stay safe at this time of year, but ultimately the choice is ours as to how well we look after ourselves during winter and beyond.
Interestingly, it seems that uptake of the flu vaccine is slowing, which is having a knock-on effect on the flu mortality rate. Recent figures show that over the last two winters, at least 18,000 deaths were linked to flu, despite 2023-2024 being a relatively mild flu season.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA deputy director of immunisation, said: “As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which tragically can kill thousands of people every year. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.
“If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions, you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill. Older people and young infants with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised. So if you or your child are offered the flu, covid-19 or RSV vaccines, don’t delay in getting them. Please speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any concerns.”
The flu vaccine
To help protect yourself against flu – which can be very serious and even life threatening – you can consider having the flu vaccine administered. This is routinely offered by the NHS every autumn and winter to anyone who faces a higher risk of falling seriously ill from flu.
You are eligible for the free vaccine if you’re over the age of 65, have specific long-term health conditions, are pregnant, live in a care home, or if you’re the principal care-giver for a disabled or older person, or a frontline social care or health worker. If you live with someone who is immunocompromised, you are also eligible for the jab.
Health conditions that entitle you to the vaccine include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, heart conditions, liver disease, diabetes and so on.
You can book your vaccination at a local pharmacy or get in touch with your GP, who will be able to book you in.
The aim of the vaccine is to protect you against the most common forms of the virus. It’s possible that you might still get flu even after being vaccinated, but your symptoms will likely be milder and shouldn’t last as long as they would if you were unvaccinated.
So, if you are concerned about your health at this time of year and want to afford yourself the greatest level of protection you can, it might be worth booking an appointment to get your flu vaccine over the next few weeks.
