Health officials said people with a cough or cold should avoid visiting their grandparents over Christmas to protect them from a surge in winter viruses.
“Covid restrictions kept flu at bay in previous seasons,” the Department of Health said, “but the ending of these and plunging temperatures in recent weeks have resulted in increased socialising indoors, which is why both viruses are on the rise”
Latest data published by NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), published yesterday shows 8.27 people per 100,000 in hospital for flu and 9.56 per 100,000 for Covid, an increase of 1.47 and 2.95 on last week.
National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, Steve Russell, said:
Christmas time over the last few years has been uncertain and so this year in particular, everyone wants to enjoy the festivities with loved ones – the best protection against covid-19 and flu you can give yourself remains vaccinations.
As the winter sets in, the latest data shows that far more people are in hospital with flu now compared to last year, especially among under-fives, so if you haven’t already, come forward and get your vaccines.
Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said:
Getting the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster is the best way to avoid getting seriously ill this winter and will help protect our vital NHS services, which are under particularly severe pressures from COVID-19, flu and Strep A.
We’re seeing high rates of over 75s and children under 5 being admitted to hospital for flu so no-one should delay coming forward. For most children the flu vaccine is a quick and easy nasal spray available through their GP surgery.
I would encourage everyone to help keep services and themselves running healthily as we enter 2023 by putting the flu vaccine and covid booster on their Christmas to do list.
