UK must be prepared for ‘significant flu epidemic’ this winter, says government adviser
3 years, 6 months ago

UK must be prepared for ‘significant flu epidemic’ this winter, says government adviser

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK needs to be prepared for a potentially “significant flu epidemic” this winter but can “counter” the issue with seasonal flu shots, a government scientific adviser has said. Professor Neil Ferguson, who last week said the country was at the beginning of a third wave of Covid, suggested seasonal influenza would “likely be a significant issue” towards the close of 2021. His comments echo those of England’s chief medical officer, professor Chris Whitty, who warned last week about the possibility of returning to a conventional flu surge or a “very significant Covid surge” in the winter. Pressed on the comments from professor Whitty and whether conventional flu likely to a bigger problem due to low levels in 2020, professor Ferguson said: “I think seasonal influenza is likely to be a significant issue coming into the autumn and winter because all the measures we adopted against Covid around the world drove flu to very low levels.” “We can counter that with seasonal flu shots which will be rolled out in the autumn, but I think we do need to be prepared for a potentially quite a significant flu epidemic probably late this year, early next year.” However, professor Ferguson, a member of the government’s SPI-M modelling group, struck a more upbeat tone on the current Covid situation, saying the overall picture was “encouraging”.

England Johnson Flu Professor Westminster Email View Ferguson Significant Covid Professor Ferguson  ferguson  flu  significant  covid  prepared  adviser  professor  seasonal  uk  winter  view  epidemic  data  westminster

History of this topic

Hospital wards face ‘pandemic-level’ strain with soaring flu cases triggering winter crisis
6 days, 18 hours ago

Hospital wards face ‘pandemic-level’ strain with soaring flu cases triggering winter crisis

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Professor Stephen Powis, the national medical director for NHS England, said: “It is hard to …

Why is this winter flu season so bad?
1 week ago

Why is this winter flu season so bad?

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy As a surge in the number of patients with flu piles …

NHS FLU CRISIS: Doctors warn soaring cases coinciding with severe cold weather could be 'the straw that breaks the camel's back' for crisis-hit health service - as nine hospitals declare critical inci
1 week, 1 day ago

NHS FLU CRISIS: Doctors warn soaring cases coinciding with severe cold weather could be 'the straw that breaks the camel's back' for crisis-hit health service - as nine hospitals declare critical inci

Daily Mail  

More than a dozen hospitals have declared ‘critical incidents’ as the flu outbreak worsens. East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust also declared the first critical incident in its history due to a combination of ‘significant patient demand, pressure within local hospitals and flooding’. ‘They go to work, they slog their guts out, and it’s very distressing for them seeing people …

Number of people in hospital with flu quadrupled in a month, NHS figures show
1 week, 5 days ago

Number of people in hospital with flu quadrupled in a month, NHS figures show

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The cold snap, which is expected to blanket large swathes of the UK in snow …

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable
3 weeks, 2 days ago

Christmas FLU-NAMI: Experts issue urgent warning as cases surge across UK - call for return of social distancing to protect vulnerable

Daily Mail  

Experts have issued an urgent warning ahead of tomorrow's festivities amid spiralling flu infections — calling for 'lockdown' style measures to protect the most vulnerable. Rising pressures come despite data showing less than one in four frontline NHS staff have had the flu vaccine amid fears this year's version is less effective than hoped. Data suggests the flu jab used …

Cold or flu? Experts on how to tell the difference as Christmas 'flunami' sweeps the UK... and when you need to seek medical help
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Cold or flu? Experts on how to tell the difference as Christmas 'flunami' sweeps the UK... and when you need to seek medical help

Daily Mail  

Many of will be plagued with runny noses, coughs and sore throats this winter. Flu figures released this week by the UK Health Security Agency show cases and hospitalisations have continued to rise Colds Rhinoviruses are the most common cause of a cold, but these minor infection of the nose and throat can be due to one of more than …

NHS warning over Christmas gatherings as flu cases soar in worst December for three years
Trending News
4 weeks ago

NHS warning over Christmas gatherings as flu cases soar in worst December for three years

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The fresh NHS figures, which show hospital admissions for flu cases jumped by more than …

Urgent ‘festive flu’ warning as NHS urges people to book pre-Christmas jab
4 weeks, 1 day ago

Urgent ‘festive flu’ warning as NHS urges people to book pre-Christmas jab

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Eligible people are being urged to take their last change to …

‘Tidal wave of flu’ warning for NHS in England this winter, new figures show
1 month ago

‘Tidal wave of flu’ warning for NHS in England this winter, new figures show

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, said: “The tidal wave of …

Are you worried about the NHS this winter? Join The Independent Debate
1 month ago

Are you worried about the NHS this winter? Join The Independent Debate

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The NHS is bracing for a challenging winter as health experts …

Flu ‘skyrocketing’ amid spike in cases among children
1 month ago

Flu ‘skyrocketing’ amid spike in cases among children

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. People eligible for a free flu jab or spray have been urged to take …

UK health services under strain after record flu, Norovirus cases
1 month, 1 week ago

UK health services under strain after record flu, Norovirus cases

Hindustan Times  

The number of people in hospital with flu has more than quadrupled compared to last year, new figures reveal, as NHS leaders warn of a mounting "quad-demic" crisis, driven by rising cases of flu, Covid-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. An average of 1,099 flu patients were hospitalized each day last week, including 39 in critical care, a sharp increase …

Cases of flu ‘rising rapidly’ as Brits urged to get vaccinations
1 month, 1 week ago

Cases of flu ‘rising rapidly’ as Brits urged to get vaccinations

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Cases of winter flu are “rising rapidly” in England as the …

Rise in patients with winter viruses puts further pressure on hospitals
1 year ago

Rise in patients with winter viruses puts further pressure on hospitals

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An average of 1,548 people were in hospital each day last week with flu, …

Combination of strikes and rise in flu and Covid ‘a perfect storm for the NHS’
1 year ago

Combination of strikes and rise in flu and Covid ‘a perfect storm for the NHS’

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The “double whammy” of strikes …

Flu patient numbers double in fortnight as NHS faces ‘storm’ of pressures
1 year ago

Flu patient numbers double in fortnight as NHS faces ‘storm’ of pressures

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. An average of 942 people were in hospital each day last week with flu, …

Chris Whitty: Britain’s Covid plans were ‘woefully deficient’ – even for a flu pandemic
1 year, 1 month ago

Chris Whitty: Britain’s Covid plans were ‘woefully deficient’ – even for a flu pandemic

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Britain’s pandemic plans …

Flu and Covid warning ahead of seasonal spike in cases
1 year, 2 months ago

Flu and Covid warning ahead of seasonal spike in cases

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Flu and Covid-19 hospital admission rates in England are lower than …

Thousands of babies face hospitalisation with life-threatening virus this winter as government delays vaccine
1 year, 4 months ago

Thousands of babies face hospitalisation with life-threatening virus this winter as government delays vaccine

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. We’re really disappointed that the programme hasn’t been rolled out in a way that is …

Flu jab delay will cause ‘chaos’ and put vulnerable people at risk ahead of difficult winter, GPs warn
1 year, 5 months ago

Flu jab delay will cause ‘chaos’ and put vulnerable people at risk ahead of difficult winter, GPs warn

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Delays to …

A chilling warning from Britain’s most senior A&E doctor: Tory winter plan could kill thousands
1 year, 5 months ago

A chilling warning from Britain’s most senior A&E doctor: Tory winter plan could kill thousands

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The NHS will also offer financial rewards to hospitals …

UK must be prepared to lock down to prevent disease spread – Hancock
1 year, 6 months ago

UK must be prepared to lock down to prevent disease spread – Hancock

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK must be prepared …

UK was ill-prepared for pandemic because resources were diverted to Brexit, ex-health chief says
1 year, 6 months ago

UK was ill-prepared for pandemic because resources were diverted to Brexit, ex-health chief says

Associated Press  

LONDON — Britain was ill-prepared for a pandemic partly because government resources had been diverted away from pandemic planning to brace for a possibly chaotic exit from the European Union without a deal, the U.K.'s former health secretary told an inquiry Tuesday. Matt Hancock also said officials had to scramble to source protective equipment, set up mass testing and contact …

Official Covid infection stats axed as cases reach highest level this year
1 year, 9 months ago

Official Covid infection stats axed as cases reach highest level this year

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Experts have criticised the government’s decision to axe the Covid ONS …

Flu patient numbers in England’s hospitals start to fall after surge
2 years ago

Flu patient numbers in England’s hospitals start to fall after surge

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of flu patients in hospital in England has …

The covert winter wave of Covid-19
2 years ago

The covert winter wave of Covid-19

BBC  

The covert winter wave of Covid-19 Getty Images The coronavirus that caused the pandemic has largely vanished from public discourse – but it's still causing deaths. "We've come to really pay attention when there are very large spikes," says Denis Nash, an epidemiologist at the City University of New York. "The people we’re seeing hospitalised tend to be those who …

What is the situation in the UK with flu this winter?
2 years ago

What is the situation in the UK with flu this winter?

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. People with flu are advised to let their body rest, get some sleep, stay …

Covid-19 UK: Winter wave picks up pace as hospital admissions soar by a third
2 years, 1 month ago

Covid-19 UK: Winter wave picks up pace as hospital admissions soar by a third

Daily Mail  

England's Covid hospitalisations have surged by a third in a week, official figures revealed today amid warnings that the NHS will be battered by flu. It was the first time cases breached 1million since November 1 and was up 16 per cent on the 941,700 recorded the week before UK Health Security Agency show 965 coronavirus patients were admitted on …

COVID, flu, RSV–Triple threat of respiratory viruses could collide this winter
2 years, 2 months ago

COVID, flu, RSV–Triple threat of respiratory viruses could collide this winter

The Hindu  

As the days get shorter and the weather colder in the northern hemisphere, health officials have warned of a perfect storm of infectious respiratory diseases over the winter months. Outbreaks of seasonal diseases like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus are already putting pressure on the overburdened NHS. Influenza Seasonal influenza is a respiratory infection caused by four types of viruses, …

Flu season may have arrived early, health officials warn
2 years, 2 months ago

Flu season may have arrived early, health officials warn

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The UKHSA has urged everyone eligible to get a flu vaccine, saying Covid restrictions …

How a fresh Covid surge in the UK could be a warning sign for US
2 years, 3 months ago

How a fresh Covid surge in the UK could be a warning sign for US

Daily Mail  

An autumn Covid resurgence in the UK has fueled concerns that the US could be on course for another wave. The US' Covid situation has mirrored Britain's several times in the past — inthe Alpha wave it followed the surge two weeks later on October 14, and in the Omicron wave it also followed about two weeks later on December …

‘Twindemic’ warning as health chiefs launch Covid and flu vaccination drive
2 years, 3 months ago

‘Twindemic’ warning as health chiefs launch Covid and flu vaccination drive

The Telegraph  

Health chiefs have warned of a Covid and flu “twindemic” this winter as they launched a renewed vaccination drive. Around 33 million people in England will be eligible for a free flu vaccination this year, while 26 million are also eligible for an autumn Covid-19 booster. Officials at the UK Health Security Agency warned there will be lower levels of …

Prepare for the twindemic! Health chiefs warn Covid will strike at same time as flu this winter
2 years, 3 months ago

Prepare for the twindemic! Health chiefs warn Covid will strike at same time as flu this winter

Daily Mail  

Tens of millions of Britons are being urged to rush forward for their Covid and flu jabs amid warnings of a 'twindemic' ahead. It marks the first rise in infections since mid-July, when the summer wave peaked and ministers faced calls to bring back pandemic-era restrictions In final guidance published today, the JCVI set out that the over-50s, residents and …

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups
2 years, 7 months ago

A surge in influenza cases in Queensland prompts doctors to issue vaccine warning for children and vulnerable groups

ABC  

Experts have sounded a warning about this year's flu season, with concerns young children will be particularly vulnerable to life-threatening complications. Key points: More than 400 people have been hospitalised with influenza in Queensland this flu season Doctors say children under two are particularly susceptible One expert says flu vaccines should be "essential" in vulnerable settings Queensland flu notifications for …

SA records another 3,304 COVID-19 cases as AMA warns of winter flu double whammy
2 years, 8 months ago

SA records another 3,304 COVID-19 cases as AMA warns of winter flu double whammy

ABC  

There have been another two COVID-linked deaths in South Australia, which today reported 3,304 new infections. Key points: SA has 21,535 known active cases of the virus Two women aged in their 90s have died after testing positive for the virus AMA vice-president Chris Moy is warning of the combined effects of COVID and flu The latest fatal cases were …

Is this what the end of the pandemic looks like? The UK's lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions has lessons for Australia
2 years, 8 months ago

Is this what the end of the pandemic looks like? The UK's lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions has lessons for Australia

ABC  

In one of Europe's busiest cities, there are few outward signs left of the raging global pandemic that disrupted the world for more than two years. After vaccines and boosters offered a pathway out of strict restrictions last year, England scaled back its public health measures on what was dubbed "Freedom Day" on July 19. "The amount of effort it …

Experts divided on U.K.’s ‘living with COVID’ plan as cases soar
2 years, 9 months ago

Experts divided on U.K.’s ‘living with COVID’ plan as cases soar

LA Times  

For many in the U.K., the pandemic may as well be over. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s conservative government is determined to stick to its “living with COVID” plan, but experts disagree on whether the country is coping well. Some scientists argue it’s the right time to accept that “living with COVID” means tolerating a certain level of disruption and deaths, …

People with a cold urged to ‘stay home and avoid contact’ under new guidance
2 years, 9 months ago

People with a cold urged to ‘stay home and avoid contact’ under new guidance

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy People in England who have a cough or cold are …

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate
2 years, 10 months ago

UK: People with COVID in England won’t need to self-isolate

Associated Press  

LONDON — People with COVID-19 won’t be legally required to self-isolate in England starting in the coming week, the U.K. government has announced, as part of a plan for “living with COVID” that is also likely to see testing for the coronavirus scaled back. “We’ve reached a stage where we think you can shift the balance away from state mandation, …

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded
3 years ago

As we attempt to live with Covid, a class of vulnerable people is emerging: the new excluded

The Independent  

The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Rejoice again, I tell you, for …

UK’s Johnson defies pressure to impose COVID curbs over Christmas
3 years ago

UK’s Johnson defies pressure to impose COVID curbs over Christmas

Al Jazeera  

PM Boris Johnson says ministers decided not to limit social interactions over the imminent festive period, but will keep situation under review. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defied pressure to tighten coronavirus rules over Christmas to curb surging Omicron cases, but pledged to keep the situation “under constant review”. However, after a Cabinet meeting, Johnson said ministers had decided …

Tougher Covid rules needed urgently to prevent ‘considerable pressure’ on NHS, Sage experts warn Johnson
3 years ago

Tougher Covid rules needed urgently to prevent ‘considerable pressure’ on NHS, Sage experts warn Johnson

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tougher Covid restrictions are needed before the new year to prevent …

NHS boss Amanda Pritchard reveals health service is preparing a yearly Covid booster programme
3 years, 1 month ago

NHS boss Amanda Pritchard reveals health service is preparing a yearly Covid booster programme

Daily Mail  

Amanda Pritchard said the NHS is already putting plans in place should it be required to deliver a yearly vaccine campaign The NHS is preparing for the concept of an annual Covid booster vaccine roll-out, the head of the health service in England said today. Amanda Pritchard said the NHS is already putting plans in place should it be required …

Vaccination centres opened to children as NHS chief warns of ‘difficult winter’
3 years, 2 months ago

Vaccination centres opened to children as NHS chief warns of ‘difficult winter’

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, told MPs there would be a “big push” …

Boris Johnson warns UK may still keep some covid rules
3 years, 6 months ago

Boris Johnson warns UK may still keep some covid rules

Live Mint  

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said some “extra precautions” could still be required even after the July 19 date he has said will mark the end of the country’s Covid restrictions. “We’ll be wanting to go back to a world that is as close to the status quo ante-Covid, as possible,” Johnson said on a visit to a factory in …

‘No doubt’ there will be further Covid waves in autumn, says UK’s chief statistician
3 years, 10 months ago

‘No doubt’ there will be further Covid waves in autumn, says UK’s chief statistician

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Professor Sir Ian Diamond, head of the Office for National Statistics, …

Not a single case of flu detected by Public Health England this year as Covid restrictions suppress virus
3 years, 10 months ago

Not a single case of flu detected by Public Health England this year as Covid restrictions suppress virus

The Independent  

Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Get our free Health Check email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “This season’s immunisation programme is on track to be the most successful ever, with the …

England records NO influenza cases so far in 2021 due to social distancing measures
3 years, 10 months ago

England records NO influenza cases so far in 2021 due to social distancing measures

Daily Mail  

Flu may have almost completely disappeared in England after brutal lockdown curbs thwarted the spread of the virus. Public Health England has not recorded a single case of the virus so far this year through routine surveillance tests, despite it being the height of the usual flu season. Yet officials are confident flu is barely spreading because only four people …

Boris Johnson says move to ease lockdown will be ‘irreversible’
3 years, 11 months ago

Boris Johnson says move to ease lockdown will be ‘irreversible’

The Independent  

Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. What we want to see is progress that is cautious but irreversible and I think …

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