UK facing horror flu season as health boss warns 'thousands will die'

The NHS faces a "collision" of flu and doctor strikes as it heads into a challenging winter, the head of the service has said. Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, told leaders at the King's Fund conference in central London that NHS staff did a "brilliant job" in the summer managing strikes by doctors.

But he suggested that a further five-day strike by resident doctors in England, which begins next Friday, could pose a significant challenge. Sir Jim said that, after the summer strikes, it was tricky for a few weeks for the NHS to get back on its feet and "that's the bit I'm worried about with this time - we'll manage the event well, and then, as we're getting back on our feet, just because of the collision of events, I think that will probably coincide with bad flu".

He added: "We all respect the right to strike, but it's a risk that we could all do without, especially at this point of the year. So I really wish we weren't going to do it."

Sir Jim said the flu wave could go on for a long time, adding: "We will just have to really stay focused on safety in all aspects, and we're very prepared. The service has prepared a lot... to try and mitigate the risks. I'm confident the service will do its best. There are things that you'd rather not have - some of that's completely unmanageable. Flu is going to be here. We'll have another Covid round. Industrial action is avoidable. We could do with avoiding it."

Earlier, an expert warned that thousands of people could die from flu this winter after figures suggested the number of flu deaths more than doubled last year. UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates show that deaths from flu in England stood at 7,757 last winter, compared with 3,555 the year before.

Child deaths involving flu also increased from 34 to 53. The UK is braced for a spate of flu deaths this winter, with NHS leaders issuing a "flu jab SOS" urging people to get protected. It follows the biggest flu season in Australia's history, which is often seen as an accurate predictor of what the UK can expect.

Sir Jim said earlier there was "no doubt" this winter will be "one of the toughest our staff have ever faced". He added: "Since stepping into this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has kept me awake at night. And, unfortunately, it looks like that fear is becoming reality.

"Australia has just endured its worst flu season on record - over 410,000 cases - and all the signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the months ahead. From December through to March, our hospitals will be at capacity."

Dr Suzanna McDonald, national lead for the influenza programme at the UKHSA, said: "Flu has hit early this year and will only spread in the coming weeks. Many people often think they have flu when they only have a bad cold.

"If you get flu, it is nasty and for some more vulnerable it can be deadly. If you're eligible it is because you are at greater risk. If you've not yet had a flu vaccine, don't regret it later - stay strong and get vaccinated - as soon as possible."

At St George's, Epsom and St Helier hospitals, chief nursing officer Elaine Clancy said the NHS trust was preparing for a bad winter.

She said: "Last flu season was particularly nasty and we're very concerned that this year could be even worse - we're preparing for a spike of flu on to our wards.

"We see people dying every year from flu and sadly thousands more will likely this year. I strongly recommend booking your jab now, as it takes up to 14 days to fully kick in."

NHS England said it was making 2.4 million vaccination slots available next week, which it said was enough to vaccinate the whole of Greater Manchester or Botswana.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: "With just weeks left to ensure best protection against the worst of the flu season, we are issuing an urgent SOS to the eligible people who have yet to get jabbed this year.

"It is vital that the public use the over 2.4 million available appointments we have running next week to stamp out this early wave of flu cases and help shield themselves ahead of winter, when viruses tend to circulate and the NHS faces increased pressure on its services.

"The vaccine is proven to be safe and help prevent those at risk from getting seriously ill and even hospitalised from flu - so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or by calling 119, or speak to your GP practice today about your winter flu vaccine."

Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff as well as children.

Public health minister Ashley Dalton said: "Vaccination is the best form of defence against flu - particularly for the most vulnerable.

"With flu cases already triple what they were this time last year, I urge everyone eligible to take up one of the 2.4 million appointments available next week."

National Pharmacy Association chief executive Henry Gregg said: "Thousands of pharmacies are offering NHS flu jabs to protect people against illness this winter.

"They are convenient, close to home and highly experienced in offering vaccinations - helping take pressure from GPs and other parts of the health service."