CHRISTMAS is a magical time of year. Tis the season to be jolly and all that... but in the northern hemisphere it's also peak flu-season.
So with that in mind, one British doctor has issued a blunt warning to families looking to bring the tiny tots into contact with their aged relations - get the flu jab or risk having a nightmare holiday season.
NHS National Medical Director, Stephen Powis, told parents that unvaccinated germ-plagued toddlers could spread the virus to infection-prone grandparents, leading to hospitalisations, or fatalities.
"We know that children are 'super spreaders' of flu, particularly around the holiday season when they're more likely to see elderly relatives," he said.
"So our message is simple: the flu season is here, get your jab now.
"It might be the difference between a Christmas to remember, and one to forget."
Public Health England reported a 24% increase in the number of GP appointments made by patients with flu-like symptoms last week, while the hospitalisation rate jumped from 4.01 admissions per 100,000 two weeks ago, to 5.06 per 100,000 last week.
For pharmacists with patients they know are planning to travel north for the festive season it might be worth suggesting a booster shot, because no one wants the flu for Christmas, especially when you're overseas.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Dec 19
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