Fears of a so-called 'flunami' hitting the UK this winter have prompted the government to urge Brits to get their flu jab.
Immunity against bugs is said to be so low after lockdowns that bugs could kill 60,000, expert modelling reveals.
Free flu jabs will be offered to 35 million most at risk, with Professor Jonathan Van-Tam today urging Britons to get jabbed as a war on flu begins.
Prof Jonathan Van-Tam today issued a rallying cry to the nation to “defend ourselves” - with the Government is planning for the reasonable worst case scenario for the first winter of many where Covid-19 and flu are “co-circulating.
Get vaccinated
Getting vaccinated is one of the main ways to defend yourself against flu.
It said a widespread flu vaccination drive could help reduce the risk.
Prof Van-Tam, England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said: “Not many people got flu last year because of Covid-19 restrictions, so there isn’t as much natural immunity in our communities as usual.
“We will see flu circulate this winter. It might be higher than usual and that makes it a significant public health concern. Covid-19 will still be circulating and with more people mixing indoors, sadly some increases are possible. For the first time we will have Covid-19 and flu co-circulating."
J abs started from September for children aged two and three, all primary school children, people aged 50 and over, pregnant women, unpaid carers, and frontline health and adult social care staff.
The NHS offers free jabs to those most at risk.
Get jabbed at the right time
According to experts, getting jabbed in the morning is thought to be the best time.
Professor Janet Lord, professor of cell biology at the University of Birmingham, told the Telegraph: “Your immune system is very [influenced by your] circadian rhythm."
Those jabbed between 9am and 11am produced more antibodies, according to a study carried out by Professor Lord, reports the Sun.
She added: "They work in the afternoon as well, but they just work better in the morning. We still don't fully understand why, but it does.”
However, getting a jab at any other time of day won't make it work differently.
Eat your greens
Eating fruit and vegetables to provide your body with vitamins like vitamin C, D and zinc have all been found to help fight flu.
Incorporating greens into your diet consistently can help boos the body's immune system.
In darker winter months, taking Vitamin-D supplements can also help.
Sleep as much as you can
Getting consistently good sleep could also help fight off flu.
Sticking to reasonable and similar bedtimes to get between 7-9 hours sleep can also help stay as healthy as possible.
Getting enough good quality sleep can make you less susceptible to lots of other colds and infections.
Get moving
Taking regular exercise and keeping active can help you stay in good health.
But when it come to your flu jab, even a small bursts of exercise can help just before your jab-
Moving your arms in the hours before getting a jab can improve your body's response - as immune cells are transported around the body in the lymph, a clear liquid.
Moving the body can help keep the cells moving.
