'Flunami' warning as Brits told to self-isolate for Christmas after surge in Covid, flu and norovirus cases

Health experts have sounded the alarm with a "flunami" warning as Britain gears up for Christmas Day, advice reminiscent of Covid-era precautions has been given to the public in light of an anticipated spike in illnesses and significant infections. Winter, confirmed by astronomical standards to have started on December 21, is typically rife with viral infections.

The UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has observed a staggering rise in flu cases by about 350 percent since December 5, alongside a substantial 86 percent increase in norovirus, the vomiting bug. Conversely, Covid seems relatively stable, without the expected surges seen with other viruses.

However, specialists are encouraging the British public to draw from pandemic experiences over the coming days to ensure the safety of at-risk family members during festive gatherings.

Experts quoted by the Daily Mail suggest that even those with minor cold symptoms should think about self-isolation, as signs of any infection can be life-threatening to others, especially the elderly or those with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk from flu repercussions.

Families have been advised to reconsider gathering for Christmas and to wear masks where necessary while the risk of infection persists. Paul Hunter, a professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia and an expert in infectious diseases, told the publication that those suffering from flu should consider isolating from others "for the first three days" and possibly the entire first week of the holiday period, reports the Mirror.

He 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."

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist from the University of Warwick, concurred, advising Brits to limit contact with vulnerable individuals if they have flu-like symptoms. He said: "If you have flu-like symptoms, it's really important to think about limiting your contact with other people particularly those who are clinically vulnerable to chest infections."

These warnings come from some of the UK's leading infectious disease experts following alarming NHS statistics showing flu cases exceeding the high totals reported in 2023.

The latest weekly figures published on December 19 reveal that one in 20 hospital beds are either occupied or closed due to a winter bug. Around 2,504 of these are occupied by flu patients, a roughly 40 percent increase from the previous week when the NHS reported 1,795 cases.