A leading NHS doctor has issued a stark warning regarding a potentially severe flu season in the UK this winter. According to Professor Adam Finn, the flu season appears to have started earlier than usual, raising concerns about the spread of respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, flu, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). This warning comes as the Royal Stoke University Hospital reports a notable increase in respiratory infections this autumn.
Professor Finn described the early onset of flu cases as “worrying,” suggesting that the circulating strains may be spreading more easily than expected. He noted, “This suggests that the strain or strains in circulation are finding it easier than usual to spread and are doing so before the colder weather conditions that typically signal the onset of the season.” The professor highlighted a possible reason for this trend: “There is less immunity than usual in the population controlling the spread of flu viruses.”
As fears mount about a harsh winter, the NHS has issued a “flu jab SOS,” urging the public to get vaccinated. The specific strain causing concern is H3N2, which has undergone significant mutations, potentially impacting its spread and severity.
Professor Finn explained the implications of a novel flu strain, stating, “When a completely novel strain of flu that can spread between people arrives against which no one has immunity, we call it a pandemic, and very large waves of infection occur at any time of the year.” This year, the H3N2 strain, which is familiar yet mutated, has already contributed to many flu cases reported across the country.
The timing of vaccinations also poses a challenge. The children’s vaccination program commenced in September 2023, while the adult program began in October 2023. Professor Finn pointed out that November is typically a critical month for vaccinations, as many people seek to get vaccinated before infections spike in December and January.
Despite the emergence of this new strain, Professor Finn reassured the public that this year’s vaccines should still offer some protection. He stated, “Even though this new strain of H3N2 has arrived and it is different from the H3N2 strain in this year’s vaccines, they should provide some degree of protection against this strain and certainly against the other flu strains that may be coming through as the winter goes on.”
The overall outlook for this flu season appears concerning, with Professor Finn concluding, “The bottom line is that it’s looking possible that we may be facing a very bad flu season this year, and the best thing we can all do right now to tackle the problem is to get vaccinated.”
In light of these warnings, health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to mitigate the impact of the flu this winter. The public is encouraged to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities as flu season unfolds.
