Flu Brake Out Threatens to be Worse than Last Year

Due to recent concerns that flu may break out sooner than expected and be “worse than the previous two years”, individuals are being urged to have their yearly flu shot.

This cautionary advice comes on the back of our move into the colder months, which the WHO warns is predicted to result in an increase both in Covid 19 and cases of the flu.

The WHO’s European Regional Director, Dr Hans Kluge, commented “with autumn and winter approaching, we anticipate a surge in cases with or without a resurgence of seasonal influenza in Europe.”

Senior Emergency Officer, Dr Catherine Smallwood, explained that “we can’t speak with any certainty because each region and each country have its own specificities.” However, the WHO has “looked closely at the flu season in the southern hemisphere.” Australia has already shown “a sharp increase in influenza in the season that did contribute to some pressures on health systems.”

The UK government has advised certain demographics to receive a complimentary vaccination, a service supplied in response to the rising cost of living. This includes those aged 50 or above, those deemed susceptible to the flu, and children between 11 and 14.

Member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, Professor Matt Keeling, suggested that susceptibility to flu may be higher due to a shift in public perception when it comes to the importance of wearing covid masks- “although the extended vaccination programme last year will help mitigate some of this.” He stressed that it is imperative for people to “get their winter flu jab as soon as possible, and the same for the Covid booster.” With a potential “interplay between the different viruses.”

© Copyright 2010-2021 Zenopa LTD. All Rights Reserved.