Last date to get flu jab to protect family at Christmas is revealed as cases “skyrocket”
BRITS have been informed that Christmas is their last opportunity to receive a flu vaccination to save themselves and their loved ones.
Health officials have warned that flu cases are on the rise and have advised people to be vaccinated now or never.
According to the NHS, the vaccine takes two weeks to take effect, and Christmas is just over two weeks away.
It indicates that the finest protection will be provided this week, ideally as soon as feasible.
Due to the quad-demic of circulating diseases, health officials believe the NHS is preparing for a difficult winter.
Flu, COVID-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all on the rise.
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According to NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, flu cases are on the rise, therefore it’s imperative that children and older adults get vaccinated and protected before any family gatherings they may have planned during the holiday season.
Every Christmas, far too many children and elderly people are sent to hospitals due to the flu. If you are eligible, being vaccinated against the flu is the greatest way to prevent this scenario.
Our best defense against winter viruses is the flu shot, which also aids hospitals and the dedicated NHS employees who will be working nonstop throughout the Christmas holiday.
Therefore, in order to protect themselves and their families this December, I would strongly advise anyone who is eligible to include scheduling a flu shot on their list of things to do in the lead-up to Christmas.
If you are 65 years of age or older or at a higher risk of serious disease, such as if you are pregnant, have a chronic illness, or live with someone who does, you can receive the NHS flu vaccine for free.
According to data from the NHS in England, the number of patients with flu in hospitals is four times more than it was at this time last year.
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In the week leading up to December 1, there were an average of 1,099 flu patients in hospital beds every day, including 39 in critical care.
The age group of five to fourteen has the highest incidence of flu cases.
“We’ve seen a real rise in, a spike in, the number of children who are suffering from flu in particular,” Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive of NHS Providers, told BBC Breakfast. “Often, that’s a predictor of a later wave coming in adults.”
Therefore, in the future, we may witness an increase in demand from adults.
Therefore, I believe that we are preparing for a difficult winter.
You can check if you qualify for an NHS flu shot by calling your doctor’s office, asking your pharmacy if they provide them, or scheduling an appointment online or using the NHS App.
You can schedule a vaccination at a drugstore by calling the 119 service for free until December 19.
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ELIGIBLE FOR FREE NHS VACCINES IF YOU:
- Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- You have certain long-term health conditions
- You are pregnant
- Live in a care home
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
When to worry if you have flu
Most of the time, flu is mild enough to treat at home.
Since it is a virus, antibiotics are ineffective, hence there isn’t a cure.
Over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen can assist with the symptoms, which include a high temperature, body aches, and a headache.
However, the NHS advises you to think about visiting a doctor or dialling NHS 111 if:
- You’re worried about your baby’s or child’s symptoms
- You’re 65 or over
- You’re pregnant
- You have a long-term medical condition for example, diabetes or a condition that affects your heart, lungs, kidneys, brain or nerves
- You have a weakened immune system for example, because of chemotherapy or HIV
- Your symptoms do not improve after 7 days
Additionally, you ought to dial 999 if you:
- Get sudden chest pain
- Have difficulty breathing
- Start coughing up a lot of blood
If you are in a high-risk group or have concerns about your symptoms, it is always preferable to speak with a healthcare provider.
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