Health authorities have issued an emergency alert for “1 million missing people” at risk of hospitalization or death as three dangerous infectious diseases surge this winter.
Many nasty infections are rampant during the cold season, but Britons are being urged to protect themselves from the ‘big three’ – influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and coronavirus.
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Vulnerable Brits urged to protect themselves from three dangerous viruses set to surge this winter Credit: Getty
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Millions of eligible Brits are missing out on life-saving flu, coronavirus and RSVC vaccines Credit: Alamy
The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) said the trio could send “thousands of people to hospital” and cause “too many tragic deaths every year”.
A surge due to the “collision” of coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) poses a “triple demic” threat, the NHS warned last month.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from dangerous insects, and millions of people are eligible to get vaccinated for free.
But every year, vulnerable Brits who don’t get vaccinated, or who don’t realize they’re at high risk of getting seriously ill, miss out on vital protection, making them the ‘missing million’. It becomes.
Julie Yates, UKHSA’s national immunization officer, said: “Many of those at high risk of becoming seriously ill from winter infections are not vaccinated each year, leading to thousands of people being taken to hospital. Too many people are tragically dying.”
“Some of these ‘missing million’ may not be aware that they are more vulnerable, but are not invited to receive influenza, RSV, or COVID-19 vaccinations. That’s because you, or your newborn baby if you’re pregnant, are more vulnerable.
As part of its Winter Strong campaign, UKHSA is calling on vulnerable and eligible Britons to come forward.
This includes pregnant women who are being urged to get RSV and pertussis vaccines to protect their vulnerable babies.
As people spend more time indoors this winter, respiratory infections such as the coronavirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and whooping cough will hit more people.
However, some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from contracting these common bugs.
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They include:
Some children under 2 years of age, especially those with heart disease and preterm and young infants, are at increased risk of hospitalization from influenza and RSV.
“People with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, young children and the elderly may be eligible for some or all of these lifesaving vaccines,” Julie said.
“So if you are invited, don’t delay, make an appointment and get your vaccine.
“If you are unsure whether you are eligible or have any concerns, please speak to your GP or local pharmacist.”
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Pregnant women are also eligible for RSV, COVID-19, influenza, and pertussis vaccines Credit: Getty
It comes as NHS staff step up efforts to avoid a triple pandemic this winter, as it has been announced that NHS staff have administered more than 10 million coronavirus and influenza vaccinations – 10,709,958 to be exact. This was announced later.
The NHS is appealing to more than 11 million people in the UK to come forward for the jab.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director of Immunization and Testing, said: “Today’s figures demonstrate that the NHS has successfully rolled out winter vaccinations across the country to protect our most vulnerable people as we head into the colder months. This is a testament to the hard work of our staff.” .
“The risk of a triple demic is rising this winter, with seasonal increases in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) combined with rising numbers of influenza and coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, putting increasing pressure on NHS services. There is.”
Common RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common group of viruses that are spread by coughing and sneezing, and typically spikes between November and February.
90% of children become infected before the age of 2.
Most people experience only mild symptoms, but the bug can cause bronchiolitis in infants.
This is a potentially serious chest infection that makes it difficult for your baby to breathe and feed.
Respiratory syncytial virus causes approximately 20,000 hospitalizations for children under the age of one year and is the leading cause of infant mortality worldwide, with 20 to 30 deaths per year in the UK.
The virus is dangerous for infants as well as older adults and can cause pneumonia, flare-ups of existing lung disease, and other long-term symptoms.
How to protect yourself from winter viruses
If you’re eligible, the best way to protect yourself is to get the vaccine.
However, following good hygiene practices also helps.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
If you have respiratory symptoms:
Avoid contact with people who may be more vulnerable, such as infants, the elderly, and people with long-term health conditions. If you must go out, avoid crowded indoor spaces. Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor areas and on public transportation. Adequate ventilation is also helpful, if possible. To prevent the spread of infection
Source: UKHSA
Around 9,000 people aged over 75 are admitted to hospital in the UK each year.
The NHS introduced a new vaccine this year to protect vulnerable people from RSV.
The program is available to all adults who turn 75 on or after September 1, 2024, and this year already saw a one-off catch-up program for everyone aged 75 to 79. there is.
Pregnant women who are 28 weeks pregnant or older can also receive the life-saving shot.
If a mother receives the RSV vaccine, she can reduce her baby’s risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% during the first six months of life.
killer flu
Winter can bring flu outbreaks, but UKHSA has warned that the infection can still be fatal for some people.
Symptoms are much worse than the common cold, causing rapid fever, body aches, fatigue, abdominal pain, and nausea, as well as coughing and sore throat.
Influenza can cause severe illness, especially in children, and more than 10,000 people were hospitalized last winter, health watchdogs said.
Older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and people with long-term health conditions are also at increased risk.
Over the past two winters, there have been at least 18,000 flu-related deaths.
The number of infections then surged last winter, peaking between Christmas and the week leading up to the end of January.
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How to tell the difference between the new coronavirus, influenza, and a cold
By getting vaccinated, you can reduce your risk of developing severe illness and protect the vulnerable people around you.
UKHSA said: “For those who took up the offer, last year’s flu vaccine had a significant impact on reducing severe cases, with a 30 per cent reduction in hospital admissions for people aged over 65 and a 74 per cent reduction in hospital admissions.” said. People between the ages of 2 and 17. ”
It’s best to get the jab ahead of peak flu season this winter.
Everyone age 65 and older is eligible to receive a free flu vaccine, as are infants, children, and adults 6 months to 65 years with certain medical conditions.
All pregnant women can also receive vaccines to protect their babies during pregnancy and birth.
Finally, 2- and 3-year-olds and all school children (from Reception to Year 11) will be offered the nasal spray vaccine at school.
Contagious new coronavirus strain
As for the coronavirus, the virus that changed our lives almost five years ago is still here, albeit less severely than at the beginning of the pandemic.
The UKHSA said: “The virus continues to cause serious illness, hospitalization and death, particularly among people with weakened immune systems and long-term health conditions, and the elderly.”
This comes as an alarming new strain called XEC is spreading “rapidly” around the world.
XEC was first detected in Germany in June and has since been detected in at least 29 countries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
Scientists do not believe this variant is more deadly than some older strains, but they say it is more transmissible.
UKHSA stressed that it is normal and expected for viruses to change genetically over time.
“New variants of the coronavirus, like previous variants, can be easily spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks,” the spokesperson added.
Symptoms of the new coronavirus XEC
Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter
We still don’t know what the specific symptoms of XEC are.
So far, the signs are not very similar to what was seen with previous stocks.
This includes fatigue, headache, sore throat, high fever, and dry cough.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), loss of taste and smell, which was once a hallmark sign of the insect, is reported by only 2-3% of infected Britons.
If you are suffering from COVID-19, prioritize rest and hydration while using over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol to reduce symptoms.
The best way to protect yourself from Covid is to get vaccinated.
The jab is not specific to XEC, which evolved from an earlier Omicron strain, but has been updated to deal with recent variants.
The NHS will offer the autumn coronavirus booster to the most vulnerable people in October. This includes:
People aged 64 and over People aged 6 months to 64 years with a more vulnerable health condition People living in aged care homes Front-line health and social care staff, including aged care homes
The NHS will contact eligible patients directly, but you can also book yourself by using the NHS app, your GP, pharmacy, drop-in clinic or by calling 119.
The symptoms of the new coronavirus have also changed over the years.
“Many people are currently experiencing cold-like symptoms, including fever and chills, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headaches, sore throats, nasal congestion, loss of appetite, Some people may experience nausea and diarrhea,” the UKHSA added.
The virus can still be dangerous or life-threatening for some people, so vulnerable groups are being given coronavirus boosters to keep them safe.
You may be offered a Covid-19 jab if:
You are 65 years of age or older, you are pregnant, you are between 6 months and 64 years of age, and you live in a care home for the elderly who are at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 due to a medical condition or treatment.
In many cases, you can get the coronavirus and influenza shots at the same time.
Lifesaving vaccines needed at all ages
8 weeks
6-in-1 vaccine rotavirus vaccine male B vaccine
12 weeks
6in1 vaccine (2nd time) Pneumococcal vaccine Rotavirus vaccine (2nd time)
16 weeks
6-in-1 vaccine (3rd dose) MenB vaccine (2nd dose)
1 year
Hib/MenC vaccine (1st dose) MMR vaccine (1st dose) Pneumococcal vaccine (2nd dose) MenB vaccine (3rd dose)
2-15 years
Childhood influenza vaccination (annually until the end of 11th grade of secondary school)
3 years 4 months
MMR vaccine (2nd dose) 4-in-1 preschool booster vaccine
12-13 years
14 years
3-in-1 Teen Booster Vaccine Male ACWY Vaccine
65 years
Influenza vaccine (annual vaccination after turning 65 years old) Pneumococcal vaccine Herpes zoster vaccine (for those who turned 65 years old after September 1, 2023)
70-79 years old
Source: NHS
