Experts call for lockdown-style measures as flu infections take hold of Britain

Health experts have urged Brits to practice social distancing this Christmas to protect the most vulnerable amid soaring flu cases.

People with even mild symptoms of the common cold need to think about whether they ought to self-isolate, as the virus can prove fatal for the elderly, experts suggest.

Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases at 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.

He told MailOnline this is especially important if they are elderly or suffer from medical conditions which would make them more at risk.

Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, urged those with potential flu symptoms to consider lockdown-style measures.

He told the same publication that if you have flu-like symptoms it is really important to think about limiting contact with other people, particularly those who are clinically vulnerable to chest infections.

The expert added this was important to consider even if “vulnerable” people had already received a flu jab as a vaccine cannot offer 100% protection from serious illness.

Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, said it was best for people with potential flu to restrict their movements but added that if this isn’t possible then they should wear a face covering in crowded places to reduce possible transmission.

The advice comes after it emerged earlier this month that the number of people in hospital in England with flu jumped 41% in a week.

Health leaders warned the situation would be likely to get worse before it got better with schools closing for Christmas and festive gatherings taking place.

NHS figures showed earlier this month there was a total of 2,629 patients with flu in hospital, including 125 in critical care beds – up 90% on the previous week ending December 8.

Officials have already warned of a so-called “quad-demic” of diseases: flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and norovirus.

Hospital trusts have brought in mask-wearing mandates in order to help stop their spread, with Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust said to be the latest to impose such measures.

Unwell Brits have also taken to social media to urge others to stay at home rather than risk infecting others.

Tania Hunter, who suffers from asthma, told her TikTok followers she has been feeling as if someone hit her with a tonne of bricks. She said: “I know it’s Christmas and stuff, but if you and your family are sick, don’t go out.”