Experts have issued an urgent call for lockdown-style social distancing ahead of Christmas Day amid surging flu infections, claiming that a fifth of those infected have no symptoms but can spread it. The Mail has the story.
Speaking to MailOnline, public health specialists say those with even mild cold symptoms should consider self-isolating as they may unknowingly have the virus which can be fatal to older people.
Along with avoiding family gatherings, they have recommended mask-wearing and social distancing in a bid to avoid passing on the bug.
Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases from the University of East Anglia, said: “If you are ill with flu you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week.
“This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk.”
Flu symptoms include a fever, sore throat, muscle aches and a cough, however Prof Hunter warned many people simply suffer something similar to a common cold.
About a fifth of those infected with flu have no symptoms but can still pass the bug on to others, he added.
It comes latest data shows a high flu burden in the NHS with nearly 3,000 Brits in England hospitalised as of the end of last week with the virus, with over 150 of these considered to be in a critical condition.
This compares to just 700 total hospitalisations at the same time last year, with roughly four times fewer critical ill patients.
Experts also warned worse could be on the way with some predicting a further surge in illness brought about by socialising over Christmas and New Year.
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.
Professor Lawrence Young, virologist from the University of Warwick, also urged people with potential flu symptoms to consider lockdown-style measures.
“If you have flu-like symptoms, it’s really important to think about limiting your contact with other people particularly those who are clinically vulnerable to chest infections,” he said.
He added this was important to consider even if vulnerable people had received a flu jab as, like any vaccine, it cannot offer 100% protection from serious illness.
Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, also said it was best for people with potential flu to restrict their movements.
But he added if this wasn’t possible then they should wear a mask in crowded areas to reduce possible transmission.
“It’s always difficult at this time of year but it is the best option, both for the sufferer and for those around them,” he said.
It comes as scores of Brits have flooded social media saying they are the “sickest they have ever been” as flu continues to rip through the nation.
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