Sarah Sleet, CEO at Asthma + Lung UK, said:
“Flu rates are soaring as a newly mutated variant is rapidly spreading across the country. Schools have had to close, NHS leaders are calling on people with symptoms to wear a mask in public places, and today’s figures show the virus is already driving serious pressure on crowded emergency departments and packed hospital wards.
“For many of us, flu can leave us bed-bound for days, but for people with pre-existing lung conditions, it can mean being blue-lighted to A+E. This year flu will claim thousands of lives in the UK, and we know people with lung conditions are particularly susceptible. Studies have shown people with conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are seven times more likely to die from flu compared to healthy individuals.
“This year’s flu has hit early and hit hard. The most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. The vaccine not only reduces your chance of catching flu, but also the severity of symptoms.
“It is particularly important for people with lung conditions to get their free flu vaccine as soon as possible, it could save your life. Asthma + Lung UK is also urging people with lung conditions to consider wearing a face mask in crowded or indoor spaces to reduce their chance of catching the virus.”