Links from posts 1 and 2:

1.
www.scmp.com/week-asia/he...

2.
www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-va...

📢A public health campaign is needed to inform people about the benefits of high-grade masks in an outbreak.

😷Why isn't FFP2 a minimum requirement in healthcare settings?

🛡Why haven't Clinically Vulnerable people been informed?

#FluIsAirborne
5/

'Flu and Covid co-infections were shown to double death rates.

Why are we still not offering Covid vaccine to all Clinically Vulnerable people?

4/
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/73...

In the UK, there is a drive to increase vaccine uptake, which remains low.

Also, antivirals have been made available for all Clinically Vulnerable people, even if they only experienced a close contact or for unconfirmed 'flu-like symptoms.

3/

🇺🇸 The CDC has not posted surveillance data since 26th September, and it is unknown when / if US national surveillance will resume.

🇨🇦 Canada is issuing warnings:

"This is not the time to be flying blind into the respiratory virus season," Danuta Skowronski, MD.

2/

Can you tell us more, Dan?

This kind of scene is incredibly uncommon... and most appear to be wearing high-grade masks.

Yes, but it will have been prescribed for you following a medical consultation.

It is not available over the counter. It is prescription only.

You cannot buy flu antivirals like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) without a prescription, as they are prescription-only medications.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for a 'flu vaccine, please read the Green Book for Influenza:

assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/683831...

10/

Our recommendations:

💉 Get vaccinated (flu and Covid, if you can)

😷Wear a close fitting high-grade (FFP2/FFP3) mask in high-risk indoor public spaces.

🪟 Open windows in healthcare and consider buying air filters.

🧼 Wash your hands.

🏠 And PLEASE stay at home sick.

9/

NHS labs have already moved into full in-season surveillance to track strains and resistance.

That means better, faster information for guiding treatment - which is reassuring for patients.

8/

UKHSA is suggesting infection control:

Ventilation, grouping of patients, and hand hygiene have been recommended.

Healthcare workers with symptoms should mask.

... but universal masking?!?!

7/

Antivirals (after exposure):

Have you been in close contact with a confirmed/suspected flu case?

High-risk people should be offered preventive antivirals. These are also time-critical. Seek advice within 48hrs of exposure.

6/

If you get flu-like symptoms:
Antiviral treatment shouldn’t wait for a lab result.

High-risk patients should be treated promptly because antivirals work best early (ideally within 48hrs).

Call your GP or NHS 111.

5/

If you are eligible for the NHS 'flu vaccine because you are in a higher-risk group (due to age or health conditions), this year it also means you are eligible for antivirals either:

🤒 If you have 'flu symptoms

or

🌬 If you have been exposed to someone with 'flu

4/

If you have been invited for a vaccine, or live with a Clinically Vulnerable person (but don't qualify), please consider getting a vaccine - they can be as cheap as £9.95.

Everyone benefits from 'flu vaccines, and children (up to 16) are offered them for free in school.

3/