Tips For Staying Well In Flu Season

This year, anyone over the age of 50, or who is clinically vulnerable, is being encouraged to have a flu jab alongside their Covid booster jab. This is because there are fears of an exceptionally widespread flu outbreak this winter, following a higher than average peak of severe flu in Australia, the New Scientist reports. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is concerned that some people might feel complacent, or even have vaccine fatigue, after similar warnings of a severe flu outbreak didn’t materialise last year. 

However, scientists point out that most people were still practicing some form of social distancing measures last year, due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Official guidance encouraged people to work from home if possible, wear face masks in public places, and limit social gatherings.

This year, it is unlikely that any such guidelines will be in place to protect people from the spread of the flu virus. This has led to fears of a ‘twindemic’ if novel or subvariants of both flu and Covid do emerge.  Natural immunity to flu is likely to be lower after two years of limited socialising and exceptionally low levels of the virus during 2020 and 21.

Steve Russell, the NHS director for vaccinations, told The Guardian: “This winter could be the first time we see the effects of the so-called ‘twindemic’ with both Covid and flu in full circulation, so it is vital that those most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses come forward for vaccines in order to protect themselves and those around them”.

There are also steps you can take to protect yourself besides coming forward for a flu vaccine. If you can’t avoid being in close proximity to other people in an indoor environment, you should observe good hygiene practices, including using hand sanitisers or regular handwashing with soap and warm water, especially after touching surfaces.

Face masks will afford some level of protection if you work in a public place, or frequently mix in large crowds. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, high temperature, a headache, sickness, loss of appetite, and are generally tired and low in energy, get some rest and avoid mixing with others.

Dr Julian Tang, a virologist at the University of Leicester, offered a counter perspective to the predictions of a flu epidemic this season.  He told The Guardian: “Although the flu season in Australia is followed by the flu season in the UK, the virus doesn’t just pack up and leave Australia for the UK.”

However, he stressed the importance of vaccinations as the situation is so unpredictable, and nothing can be ruled out. He commented that good ventilation, hygiene practices, masks, and social distancing, which were observed during the Covid pandemic, will help to keep flu viruses at bay..

If you do get a flu virus, you are advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over the counter treatments such as cold and flu sachets to relieve the symptoms.