'Get flu jab now': Warning to protect yourself from 'super flu' before Christmas as cases surge
The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to work 💉
- Cases of the new ‘super flu’ are continuing to surge, with the NHS describing December as a ‘worst case scenario’.
- Those eligible for the vaccine are being asked to protect themselves ahead of the holiday season.
- The flu vaccine takes two weeks to take effect.
With only two weeks to go to Christmas, a leading pharmacist is urging people to protect themselves from the flu ahead of the holiday season.
George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, fears time is running out to get vaccinated for the flu before December 25.
The flu vaccine takes up to 14 days to become active, meaning Friday, December 12, is the last possible day to get the jab to be fully covered for the big day.
It comes as the new “super flu” H3N2 strain is running rampant, with nearly one in five of those with the flu in England testing positive for the strain.
The NHS have warned that flu hospitalisations have surged by more than half in just one week, plunging services into a “worst case scenario” situation for December, just ahead of the holiday season.
Mr Sandhu said: “A vaccine appointment takes just ten minutes - but it could make the difference between a wonderful or a miserable Christmas. Time is running out. The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to become fully effective and offer maximum protection for patients.”
What is the new ‘super flu’?
The flu strain, influenza A, known as H3N2 or described as the “super flu” by the NHS, is infecting more people because their immune systems do not recognise this rarer version of the virus.
This year’s flu vaccine was also developed before the new strain evolved, meaning that the infection is hitting vulnerable people harder.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Despite the new flu strain, symptoms remain the same and can include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, a cough or feeling tired. Additional signs of the flu can include a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, tummy pain or feeling sick and being sick.
Who can get the flu vaccine?
Those eligible for a flu vaccine include people aged 65 and over, those in clinical risk groups, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and children, care home residents and carers, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.
Does the flu vaccine stop you from getting the flu?
The flu jab remains the best defence against becoming seriously ill with the flu, despite the emergence of the H3N2 strain, which is driving an unusually early flu season.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist for Immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Whatever strains do circulate here this winter, we can be confident that the vaccine will still help to protect those most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalised. We strongly encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible – it remains our best defence against serious illness.”
How to avoid catching the flu?
Mr Sandhu has urged all of those who are eligible to get booked in for their flu vaccine so it will become effective in time for Christmas.
He said: “The flu vaccine takes up to 14 days to fully become effective and offer maximum protection for patients. There is a serious risk this year that many families will be dealing with severe cases of the flu, and so I would ask that anyone considering getting vaccinated do so.”
There are also steps you can take to help prevent the spread of the flu. Mr Sandhu advises: “It is important to practice good ventilation if meeting people from other households, so ensure to open a window every hour for at least ten minutes to allow for fresh air to enter.
“When coughing, do so into a bent elbow to avoid spreading potentially infectious particles across a room, especially if you are aware of potentially vulnerable people in the room.
“Wash your hands frequently with warm water to avoid spreading germs and also ensure to clean frequently touched areas, including door handles.”
Cases of the flu are continuing to surge. Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to book their appointment before the Christmas holidays. You can find out more about who is eligible and how to get the flu jab at NHS.UK.