Britain at Risk of Swine Flu Resurgence This Winter, Warns UK Health Security Agency
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is concerned about the potential return of swine flu to Britain this winter. Officials are urging millions of eligible individuals to get their annual flu vaccinations before the flu season begins. Last winter, the flu claimed more lives than Covid, causing over 14,000 deaths. Experts fear that this season could be even worse, with the threat of H1N1, the strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu pandemic that caused tens of thousands of deaths worldwide. Although H1N1 has been largely suppressed in the UK since 2019, it has been circulating at high levels in Australia, suggesting it may become dominant again.
Professor Susan Hopkins, the chief medical adviser at UKHSA, emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination, especially for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, young children, and those with chronic health conditions. Last year, the flu vaccine prevented an estimated 25,000 hospitalizations. Taking both the flu and Covid vaccines ahead of winter provides the best protection against severe illness and helps ease the pressure on the NHS.
Lockdown measures implemented to combat the Covid pandemic suppressed the flu virus for two years. However, it experienced a significant resurgence last year, taking advantage of low population immunity. To date, 3.7 million people have received their flu jabs this season, with many choosing to receive both flu and Covid vaccines simultaneously.
Up to 30 million people are eligible for a flu jab and 25 million for Covid vaccines this year in the UK. The vaccination campaign targets various groups, including over-65s, frontline health and social care workers, and pregnant women. The early launch of the campaign aims to protect the vulnerable before the winter season begins.
The severity of the flu season in Australia has been rated as “low” due to the effectiveness of the vaccine against serious illness. However, children under 16 account for 73% of hospital flu cases in Australia since April 2023. Swine flu, also known as H1N1, is rare but has the potential to cause severe illness in children and teens, as seen during the 2009 outbreak.
The UK’s response to the 2009 pandemic confirmed 457 deaths caused by swine flu. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to other influenza viruses, including fever, chills, cough, headache, nausea, and fatigue. Although cases are typically mild and resolve on their own within a few weeks, it is important to receive vaccination for protection and to prevent the spread of the virus.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Thomas Waite emphasizes the importance of vaccination against both flu and Covid to protect against severe illness. Vaccination is the strongest defense against these viruses, and eligible individuals are encouraged to get their jabs as soon as possible.
Vaccines Minister Maria Caulfield highlights the need to reduce pressure on the healthcare system by booking flu and Covid vaccinations. Last year, the NHS administered over 21 million flu jabs and more than 17 million Covid jabs. This year, there are more vaccination sites than ever before, with approximately 3,500 sites across England participating in the campaign.
More recently, health chiefs have also been monitoring a new Covid variant called Pirola (BA.2.86), which has shown over 30 mutations. It is still too early to determine the severity of this variant, but early evidence suggests that it is no more likely to evade vaccines than other variants.
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