Urgent warning over ‘big 3’ viruses that pose ‘tripledemic’ threat as ‘missing million’ at risk of death

HEALTH bosses have issued an urgent warning to the “missing million” at risk hospitalisation and death this winter as three dangerous infections surge.

The colder months will see a number of nasty infections rear their heads, but Brits are being urged to protect themselves against the “big three” – flu, RSV and Covid-19.

This trio may land “many thousands in hospital” and “tragically kill far too many every year”, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.

“Colliding” surges of Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pose the threat of a “tripledemic”, the NHS warned last month.

Getting vaccinated is by far the best way to protect yourself against the dangerous bugs, and millions are eligible to get their jabs for free.

But every year, vulnerable Brits who don’t take up their shots, or those who aren’t even aware they’re at higher risk of severe illness, miss out on the vital protection – making them the “missing million”.

Julie Yates, the UKHSA’s national immunisation lead, said: “Every year many of those at greater risk of getting seriously ill from winter infections are not getting their vaccines, with many thousands ending up in hospital and far too many tragically dying.

“Some of these ‘missing million’ may not realise they are more vulnerable, but if you are invited for a flu, RSV or COVID-19 jab then it is because you, or your newborn baby if you’re pregnant, are at greater risk.”

As part of its Get Winter Strong Campaign, the UKHSA is calling on vulnerable and eligible Brits to get jabbed.

This includes pregnant women, who are being urged to take up their RSV and whooping cough vaccines to protect their vulnerable babies.

Respiratory infections like Covid, flu, RSV and whooping cough will strike many this winter as people spend more time indoors.

But some people are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from catching these common bugs.

They include:

• Older people
• Pregnant women and their babies
• People of any age with a weakened immune system
• People of any age with certain long-term conditions

Some children aged under two years, especially those with a heart condition or born prematurely and very young infants, are also at increased risk of hospitalisation from flu and RSV.

Julie said: “Those with certain long term health conditions, pregnant women, young infants, and older people will be among those eligible for some, or all, of these life-saving vaccines.

“So if you are invited don’t delay – book an appointment and get the vaccines.

“And if you’re unsure if you’re eligible or have any concerns please do speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist.”

It comes after it was announced that NHS staff have delivered more than 10million Covid and flu vaccinations – 10,709,958 to be exact – as the NHS ramps up its efforts to avoid a tripledemic this winter.

The NHS has invited over 11million people in England to come forward for the jabs.

NHS national director for vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “Today’s figures are a testament to the hard work of NHS staff in successfully rolling out winter vaccinations across the country in a bid to protect those who are most vulnerable as we move towards the colder months.

“We are seeing a rise of flu and Covid cases and hospitalisations, on top of a seasonal rise in RSV, which are adding to the growing risk of a tripledemic this winter as pressures on NHS services are increased.”

Common RSV

RSV is a super common group of viruses that spread through coughs and sneezes and typically surge between November and February.

It’ll infect a whopping 90 per cent of children before they reach the age of two.

Most people get mild symptoms, but the bug can cause bronchiolitis in infants.

This is a chest infection that can turn serious, making it difficult for babies to breathe and feed.

RSV is responsible for approximately 20,000 hospitalisations of children aged under one every year and it’s a leading cause of infant mortality across the world – resulting in 20 to 30 deaths per year in the UK.

The virus can also be dangerous to older adults as well as babies, causing pneumonia, flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions.

It’s responsible for around 9,000 hospitalisations in people aged 75 and over in the UK each year.

The NHS this year rolled out a new vaccine to protect vulnerable people against RSV.

It’s being offered to all adults turning 75 on or after September 1 2024 and there is a one-off catch-up programme this year for all those already aged 75 to 79.

Pregnant women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant can also get the lifesaving jab.

Mums getting the RSV shot can reduce their baby’s risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70 per cent in their first six months of life.

Killer flu

Flu seems to be part and parcel with the winter months but the UKHSA warned that the infection can still prove deadly to some.

It is far worse than an ordinary cold, causing a rapid onset fever, body aches, exhaustion, stomach pain and nausea, as well as coughing and a sore throat.

Flu can lead to serious illness, especially in children, with over 10,000 hospitalisations last winter, the health watchdog noted.

Older people, those with a weakened immune system and people with long-term health conditions are also at higher risk.

Over the past two winters, at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu.

And last winter saw a surge in infections that peaked in the week leading up to Christmas and the end of January.

Getting vaccinated can slash your risk of getting severely ill and also protect vulnerable people around you.

The UKHSA said: “For those who took up the offer, last year’s flu vaccine had a significant impact on reducing severe illness, with a 30 per cent reduction in the number of those aged 65 and over being hospitalised and a 74 per cent reduction in those between two and 17 years of age.”

It’s best to get your jab ahead of peak flu season this winter.

Everyone aged 65 years and over is eligible for a free flu vaccine, as are babies, children and adults aged between six months and 65 with certain medical conditions.

All pregnant women can also get the vaccine to protect babies during pregnancy and when they’re born.

Finally, two- and three-year olds and all school children (from reception to year 11) will be offered a nasal spray vaccine at school.

Contagious Covid strain

As for Covid, the virus that upended all of our lives almost five years ago is here to stay, even if it isn’t as severe as it was at the start of the pandemic.

“The virus is still causing severe illness, hospitalisations, and deaths – particularly among those with a weakened immune system and long-term health conditions, as well as older people,” the UKHSA said.

It comes as a worrying new strain dubbed XEC is spreading “rapidly” across the globe.

XEC was first detected in Germany in June and has since been found in at least 29 countries across Europe, North America and Asia.

Scientists don’t believe the variant is more deadly than some of its predecessors, but they say it is transmitted more easily.

The UKHSA stressed that it’s normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time.

“The new Covid-19 variants, much like previous variants, can spread easily through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks,” a spokesperson added.

Covid symptoms have also changed throughout the years.

“Today many people now experience cold-like symptoms but some will also experience fever or chills, continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea, or diarrhoea,” the UKHSA added.

The virus can still prove dangerous or life threatening to some, so vulnerable groups are being offered a Covid booster to keep themselves safe.

You may be offered a Covid-19 jab if you:

• Are aged 65 or over
• Are pregnant
• Are aged six months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment
• Live in a care home for older adults

In many cases, you’ll be able to get your Covid and flu jabs at the same time.