The last few days have seen some dramatic headlines as the term ‘tripledemic’ has been flashed around, warning the public that a trio of nasty viruses could be heading our way this winter. But the truth behind the headlines is a bit simpler.
Firstly, the NHS has just opened up bookings for the annual winter flu vaccination programme. This is not a reason for panic, as this is a standard move that always happens at this time of the year. Because flu mutates quickly and new strains arise all the time, the key is for the vulnerable to get the protection of an updated vaccine against the latest strain.
The timing this year happens to coincide with two growing concerns, but not unique ones. These include the RSV virus, which is another respiratory virus and a threat to older people.
Alongside that is the fact that the Covid booster jabs are also being offered as a seasonal programme, just at the time when the XEC strain is emerging as the dominant one in Europe.
The key point to remember is that respiratory viruses tend to thrive in the winter months, partly because they usually do better in colder air (although Covid appears to thrive in any conditions) and also because people are spending more time in confined spaces indoors to stay warm, rather than outside in the sun as they would in summer.
All this is why eligible people are being urged to get vaccinated now, irrespective of whether the winter will be a particularly tough one; flu seasons do tend to vary greatly in their severity and there is no sign so far that the XEC strain of Covid poses any more risk than others in the Omicron family that it has emerged from.
The most important thing to do is check that you are eligible to get the flu jab.
This includes Britons aged over 65, who live in care homes, people with certain medical conditions (such as severe respiratory conditions), those with compromised immune systems, people caring for someone in these categories, pregnant women, children aged two or three and youngsters at primary school.
In many cases, you (or your children) will have had this last year and in previous years, having previously been qualified. However, you might not have had it previously or given it to your children. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do so this year – and it certainly doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.
Alternatively, it may be that you have only become eligible since last year’s vaccination programme, for example by turning 65, being diagnosed with a medical condition that qualifies you for the jab, or because you are pregnant.
Most of the qualifying criteria for the flu jab are matched by Covid and RSV, although women of child-bearing age are not at high risk of Covid in most cases, so it does make sense if you can get all three jabs to have them.
Not only will this ease pressures on the NHS over the winter (especially if the weather is cold and the flu season a bad one), but it will give you the personal protection you need, making you glad you got protected this year.