A familiar scene is unfolding across the UK: masked faces returning to hospitals and train stations. But this isn't a resurgence of Covid-19 anxieties; it’s a particularly aggressive flu season arriving with unsettling speed and force.
The culprit? A mutated strain of H3N2, boasting seven mutations that allow it to bypass existing immunity. Hospitals are already feeling the strain, with London seeing three times the number of flu hospitalizations compared to this time last year. The situation is so critical that ambulance services reported call volumes typically reserved for New Year’s Eve during a recent weekend.
In response, hospitals in multiple regions – including Birmingham, Surrey, Sussex, and Swindon – are reinstating mask mandates in A&E departments and other clinical areas. Frimley NHS Foundation Trust is requiring staff in clinical wards to wear fluid-resistant surgical masks, acknowledging the high number of cases impacting both hospitals and the wider community.
The sudden surge is also impacting pharmacies, with a noticeable increase in demand for flu remedies, masks, and hand sanitiser. One London pharmacist described the current mindset as mirroring the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic – a proactive desire to avoid illness and prevent its spread.
Flu symptoms arrive swiftly and can be debilitating: a sudden high temperature, aching muscles, exhaustion, a persistent cough, and a sore throat are common indicators. Insomnia, loss of appetite, and even stomach issues can also develop, making early recognition crucial.
The NHS is issuing an “urgent plea” for increased vaccination rates, but access to the flu jab is becoming more challenging due to overwhelming demand. Pharmacies are reporting a significant jump in walk-in patients seeking vaccination, highlighting a growing public awareness of the risk.
Current vaccination figures, as of late November, reveal that coverage remains below the World Health Organisation’s target of 75% for vulnerable groups. Only 41% of those aged six months to 64 years with clinical risk factors have been vaccinated, alongside 42% of those who are immunosuppressed.
Hospitals are emphasizing the importance of responsible healthcare seeking, urging the public to reserve A&E for genuine emergencies. They are also requesting assistance with timely patient discharge, encouraging families to provide support and ensure a comfortable recovery at home.
The return of masks isn’t simply a precautionary measure; it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of public health and the ever-present threat of respiratory viruses. As the holiday season approaches, with increased social mixing, the pressure on the healthcare system is expected to intensify.
Beyond hospitals, the public is responding proactively. The increased purchase of masks and sanitizers suggests a renewed commitment to personal protection, a lesson learned from recent years and now being applied to combat this year’s challenging flu season.
