Figures released yesterday show that flu cases in England have increased from 6.1% to 8.2% this week
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a crucial alert ahead of countless Halloween celebrations throughout the UK. While it may seem odd, the government agency advised Brits to ‘stop germs from spreading’ by coughing like a vampire – and it’s surprisingly easy to do.
On Twitter this morning, it said: “Cough like Dracula! Cover your mouth with your elbow to stop germs from spreading this #Halloween and beyond. This simple move can help keep everyone healthy.” It also added: “Coughing into your elbow as if you’re lifting a cape is a frightfully easy way to keep germs from spreading even beyond Halloween.”
The UKHSA’s message comes amid growing concern that an early wave of flu cases could lead to a ‘long and drawn out’ winter for the NHS. Figures released yesterday show that cases in England have risen from 6.1% to 8.2% this week, primarily driven by a surge among school-aged children, and are up from 2.9% at this time last year.
This also follows warning signs from the Asia-Pacific region, where Japan has already declared a flu epidemic, leading to the closure of many schools. Yesterday, Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “We’re seeing an unusually early start to the flu season this year, with the latest data showing a sharp increase among children but also increases in other age groups, with the virus now starting to spread more widely in the community.
“If you’re eligible for a vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness – every year we see many thousands end up in hospital and far too many deaths from flu. It’s crucial that everyone eligible books their appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is our best defence.”
Every autumn or early winter, the NHS offers flu vaccinations to people at higher risk of serious health complications. According to a previous update from the UKHSA, six key groups became eligible to book their flu vaccinations from September 1 this year. Another six were then able to book from October 1.
From September 1, this included:
- Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)
- Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years
- Pregnant women
- All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025
And from October 1, this encompassed:
- Everyone aged 65 years old and over
- Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions
- Care home residents
- Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- Those living with people who are immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
People residing in England can check their eligibility for a flu vaccination via the NHS app. These vaccinations are offered at GP surgeries, some pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care homes. Health or social care workers might be eligible to receive their vaccination at their workplace.
Dr Allen continued: “Parents should return school consent forms or arrange GP appointments for two to three year olds. The nasal spray vaccine can help stop your child from getting very unwell and reduce the risk of passing flu to vulnerable family members.
“Anyone with flu or COVID-19 symptoms – including high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – should minimise contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, wash hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated.”
Meanwhile, Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, added yesterday: “This early rise of flu in children is particularly concerning – especially given that flu circulation in children normally precedes that in adults – so it’s vitally important those eligible come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible to avoid a long and drawn-out flu season.
“The flu virus changes every year, so it’s important to get a vaccination each year to ensure yours and your families protection and to help reduce the spread to others.
“Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to help shield against the virus and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.”