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The UK is bracing itself for one of the worst flu outbreaks since the swine flu pandemic in 2008-9. The NHS is preparing itself for a bad flu season, but there are already reports many hospitals have no spare beds available and in England many operations have been cancelled for January.

If you follow the Flu survey, which picks up general respiratory illnesses as well as flu, the map is now red across most of the UK. But the incidences of flu and respiratory illnesses are not significantly greater than last year.

However, flu is a definite part of the mix at the moment. The issue is that this could grow significantly, and one of the strains circulating this year, H3N2 known as Aussie flu, caused Australia’s worst flu outbreak for nearly a decade. H3N2 was around the UK last year, but this year as in the case of Australia it appears far more virulent.

It affects mainly young children and the elderly especially if they have underlying respiratory or heart conditions, but could force much of the working population to bed for 5 days or more. This is not your common cold.

Flu vaccinations for schools and companies

Global Health Medical and healthcare vaccination clinics are in discussion with many schools, other educational organisations and companies. The risk is that flu will disrupt the smooth operation of these organisations. In the case of schools this could lead to temporary closure, not because of lack of pupils, but lack of teachers. In the case of companies this could lead to loss of sales and a reduction in profitability.

In most cases if teams are vaccinated for flu with this season’s vaccine, services could continue to run smoothly.

Flu vaccines 2018

Last week we had some comments from the public that this year’s flu vaccine would not cover Aussie flu. This is simply not correct.

We encourage all to have the flu jab as soon as possible.

One thing to be aware of and highlighted by Public Health England is that the typical effectiveness of the flu vaccine is 40-60%. This is due to unpredictable mutations of existing viruses over time.

But the firm advice by all professionals and professional bodies is vaccinate.

Other steps to prevent the spread of flu

Other steps should be taken by ALL to stop the spread of flu and general cough and cold viruses.

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to others in the first five days.

Flu is spread by viruses from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

So

  • wash your hands often with warm water and soap. Although very simple it is by far the most effective thing to do. If you do not know the link to happy birthday you may not be washing your hands properly so read our blog https://globalhealthtravelclinic.co.uk/hand-washing-prevent-infections-home-whilst-travelling/
  • antibacterial hand gels and hand foams are effective ‘on the move’, but not as effective as washing the viruses straight off your hands
  • use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
  • bin used tissues as quickly as possible

Be safe this winter and keep your organisation working effectively.

More information

Phone 01932 943002

For more in-depth information on the flu this season re view our other blogs on https://globalhealthtravelclinic.co.uk/blog/

Or visit the NHS Choices website https://www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx

Or the BBC at What is ‘Aussie’ flu and should we be worried? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42602394

To track the flusurvey map go to https://flusurvey.org.uk/