Warning issued to anyone going to New Year’s Eve events next week | UK | News
Health chiefs are urging people in England to get vaccinated to prevent the risk of the virus “returning” in the new year.
Hospital admissions for flu in England have fallen for the first time this winter after the virus emerged early and wreaked havoc in London.
Health chiefs have welcomed the drop in the number of patients with flu in hospital but are asking people to remain vigilant.
UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr Jamie Lopez-Bernal said the nationwide figures were “encouraging” but stressed the virus was “still with us” and other winter bugs were also circulating.
“Everyone, especially those most vulnerable to these winter germs, need to help protect themselves or not spread these viruses to others,” he said.
“Flu is always unpredictable, it is still circulating and may return further in the New Year as we have seen in previous years.
“Therefore, if you have cold or flu-like symptoms you should try to minimize contact with others.
“This is especially important at Christmas when families come together to celebrate.”
He added: “Flu is always unpredictable, it is still circulating and may return further in the New Year as we have seen in previous years.”
This message will be important for those attending fireworks displays in large crowds this New Year’s Eve.
The weekly average positivity rate for flu was 17.2%, compared to 21.1% the previous week. Overall, flu hospitalizations were falling to 7.85 per 100,000, compared to 9.98 per 100,000 the previous week.
The NHS said: “Flu usually clears up on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get a flu vaccine if you’re eligible.”
The healthcare provider continued: “What should you do if you have the flu? If you have the flu, there are some things you can do to help you get better faster.”
The proposals come as flu continues to spread at “moderate levels” in the UK. latest data UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed flu activity decreased across all indicators in the week of 15-21 December but was “still circulating at moderate levels”.
