A 'double pandemic' of Covid and flu could pose a threat this winter as Brits have been urged to get 'potentially life-saving' jabs.
Health officials have raised the alarm of a two-fold danger as illnesses begin to spread. The flu is predicted to circulate widely amid low levels of natural immunity while new Covid variants emerge, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned.
It comes as a dangerous strain of the flu has already been detected in Britain, the Mirror reports. A surge of the flu driven by children could begin from next month.
"There are strong indications we could be facing the threat of widely circulating flu, lower levels of natural immunity due to less exposure over the last three winters and an increase in Covid-19 with variants that can evade the immune response," said Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA chief medical advisor.
"If you are elderly or vulnerable, you are at greater risk, so getting the flu jab is a sensible, potentially life-saving thing to do."
The UKHSA fears a flu season as big as that seen in 2017/18, which caused 40,000 hospital admissions and around 20,000 deaths.
Steve Russell, NHS England vaccinations director, said: "This winter could be the first time we see the effects of the so called 'twindemic' with both Covid and flu in full circulation.
"If you have been offered a flu vaccination or Covid booster, book in as soon as possible."
Only three million people have had their flu jab so far, out of 33 million eligible. Flu jabs can be booked via GPs while Covid autumn boosters can be arranged via the National Booking Service online.
Pharmacies offer flu jabs for those ineligible for a free vaccination with the NHS. Boots and Lloyds both offer the service for £16.99.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - sign up to our daily newsletter here .
