Council warning over 'unprecedented flu wave'

Derbyshire County Council has echoed warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) as flu cases rise sharply across the country.

The NHS has described the situation as an “unprecedented flu wave” this winter, and Health officials say an early start to the flu season, combined with the emergence of a mutated strain, has led to a significant increase in hospital admissions, now 56% higher than last year. The dominant strain currently circulating is a ‘drifted’ H3N2 variant, which is associated with more severe illness, particularly among older adults. 

UKHSA has warned that cases are likely to increase further as social mixing rises over the Christmas period. However, rapid assessments suggest the flu vaccines currently available continue to provide good protection against severe illness. 

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national medical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “Flu cases are now incredibly high. With just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity for Christmas Day, I urge anyone eligible to come forward for their flu jab.” 

Flu is a highly infectious viral illness which can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and bronchitis, and can be life-threatening in severe cases. 

Common flu symptoms include: 

• Sudden high temperature 

• Aches and pains 

• Extreme tiredness 

• Dry cough 

• Sore throat 

• Headache 

• Difficulty sleeping 

• Loss of appetite 

• Nausea, diarrhoea or vomiting 

Health officials advise Derbyshire residents to stay at home and avoid contact with others if they have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out normal daily activities. 

Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect against serious flu illness. The annual flu vaccine is updated to target the strains expected to circulate each year, making regular vaccination essential. 

People at greater risk - including older adults, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, carers and healthcare workers - are being strongly encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible. 

How Derbyshire residents can get their flu vaccine: 

• Book an appointment through a GP surgery or local pharmacy 

• Call 119 for advice or to arrange a vaccination 

• Book online via the NHS flu vaccination service 

Health officials say the vaccine remains “our best defence” against severe flu complications, even when circulating strains have mutated slightly. With cases already high, getting vaccinated now is the safest way to protect individuals and the wider community this winter. 

Derbyshire County Council is also urging parents and carers to ensure children receive their free flu vaccination as soon as possible. Flu can be serious for children, including those without underlying health conditions, and can lead to hospitalisation. 

Vaccinating children helps protect them and reduces the spread of the virus to vulnerable family members and others in the community. 

School-aged children in Derbyshire are being offered vaccinations through schools or community clinics, and parents are encouraged to return consent forms promptly. Children aged two and three are invited to receive the vaccine at their GP, with some community pharmacies also offering appointments. Children aged six months and over with certain health conditions are eligible for vaccination through their GP. 

The flu vaccine is quick, safe and painless, and for most children is given as a nasal spray. A porcine-free option is available on request. 

Cllr Dawn Abbott, Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, said: “Getting school-aged children vaccinated against flu isn’t just about protecting them - it’s about safeguarding grandparents, siblings and our wider community. Every vaccine brings us closer to a healthier winter for all.” 

Eligible two and three-year-olds will be able to receive the free nasal spray at GP practices and nearly 4,000 participating pharmacies. 

As protection takes around two weeks to develop, residents are urged not to delay. Eligibility for a free flu vaccine can be checked on the NHS website.