A CHILLING new flu advert shows a woman spread the winter killer to her loved ones with a sinister green “viral cloud”.
The Government has released the warning to encourage Brits to get their flu jabs – demonstrating how easy it is to pass the bug to others.
Health chiefs fear the public “underestimate” the virus and don’t understand it can send them to hospital or kill a relative.
In the new clip, a trio of doctors explain why it’s important to get protected this winter.
Groups of friends are shown mingling, and with social distancing no longer enforced we can be closer than ever.
While this is fantastic news for socialising and seeing loved ones, it means bugs and viruses are spreading quicker and easier than in previos months.
Covid is still with us, with new daily cases still at over 30,000 each day, and colds and flu expected to hit harder than usual – thanks to immunity falling with less exposure last winter.
The winter bug could kill thousands this year in a double whammy with Covid and at-risk groups are urged to get their flu jab and Covid booster as soon as possible.
Surveys found one in five people didn’t know how flu spreads and a third were unaware they could get both viruses at the same time.
Deputy chief medical officer, Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, said: “Not many people got flu last year because of Covid restrictions, so there isn’t as much natural immunity as usual.
“We will see flu circulate this winter; it might be higher than usual and that makes it a significant public health concern.”
The Department of Health has launched a winter vaccines campaign including a video featuring TV medics Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Amir Khan, who warned: “Both viruses have the potential to cause serious illness and hospitalisation this winter.”
Scientists warn as many as 60,000 people could be killed this flu season – there are 11,000 victims in an average year – on top of Covid deaths.
GET PROTECTED
The highest risk groups are the same, topped by the over-50s and clinically vulnerable, and a record 35million people will be eligible for a free jab with 30m getting Covid boosters.
Scientists don’t know how well the flu vaccines will work this year – they usually base them on strains circulating in Australia’s winter but there haven’t been any major outbreaks.
Dr Jenny Harries, chief of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “We are facing a challenging winter but we can all help ourselves and those around us by taking up the Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine, if eligible.”
Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK, added: “This year it’s more important than ever to take up the offer of a flu jab and Covid-19 booster.
“Both illnesses are capable of taking a terrible toll on an older person but being vaccinated will help keep you, and those around you, safe and well through the winter months to come.”
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine should come forward to get it as soon as possible.
To check your eligibility for the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccine or to find a service visit here.
Eligible people can book an appointment for their flu jab at either their GP practice or their local pharmacy. Those who are pregnant can ask for their free flu jab at their local maternity service.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Sajid Javid, said: “This year we are rolling out the largest flu vaccine programme in our history, alongside the new Covid-19 booster vaccine rollout; both are important to provide vital protection not only to yourself, but also your loved ones while also helping to ease pressure on the NHS.”
