Health experts call for a return of social distancing as cases surge across UK this Christmas

EXPERTS have called for a return of social distancing as cases of the flu surge across the UK this Christmas.

Even those with symptoms of a mild cold should consider self-isolating in case they carry a virus which could be fatal to those most vulnerable, health specialists warn.

Family gatherings should also be avoided as well as wearing masks and social distancing – all to avoid passing on the horror bug, experts told MailOnline.

Professor Paul Hunter from the University of East Anglia said: “If you are ill with flu you should stay away from other people for the first three days and preferably for the first week.

“This is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions that make them more at risk.”

For many people, having the flu will feel like an exaggerated cold.

The NHS states that flu symptoms can come on very quickly.

They include:

1. A sudden high temperature
2. An aching body
3. Feeling tired or exhausted
4. A dry cough
5. A sore throat
6. A headache
7. Difficulty sleeping
8. Loss of appetite
9. Diarrhoea or tummy pain
10. Feeling sick and being sick

The dry cough could be similar to the cough experienced by people who have contracted coronavirus.

The NHS states that the symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.

The health service offers a free flu jab to those most at risk of getting the virus, so if you qualify then you can get it free anywhere that offers it.

his can be at your doctor’s surgery as well as supermarket pharmacies like Asda and high street favourites like Boots.

If you’re not in the eligible groups entitled to a free vaccination listed below, you can pay for a flu jab at certain stores.

• All children aged two and three
• All children in primary and all children in school Years seven to 11 in secondary school
• Children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
• Those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk group
• Pregnant women
• Those aged 65 years and over
• Unpaid carers
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• Frontline health and adult social care staff

The latest data shows a high flu burden within the NHS with almost 3,000 Brits in England hospitalised as of the end of last week with the virus.

Over 150 of those are considered to be in a critical condition.

In comparison, there were just 700 total hospitalisations at the same time last year.

And experts also warn that the worst could be coming with there being a surge in illness brought on from socialising over the holiday season and New Year.

Earlier this month, an average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospital every day, up from 1,099 the previous week – 3.5 times higher than the same time last year.

Health chiefs pleaded with Brits to get vaccinated immediately if eligible to avoid “festive flu” before it was “too late”.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, boss of NHS England, said: “The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS – the figures are adding to our ‘quad-demic’ worries.”

He added: “With one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid ‘festive flu.'”

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting, said: “With A&Es facing record demand, we are continuing to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it’s too late.”