I wonder if all this talk of a really bad epidemic of serious flu infections is real or scare mongering I’m certainly scared I thought this year we would all have a respite this winter and able to enjoy our families, now I’m looking at restricting where I’m going and back to staying in more than going out , be interested in your opinion everyone
Take care
Cales xx
Written by
cales
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I don't think that it is scaremongering. There are already very bad colds circulating because most people adhered to the lockdowns and didn't mix so didn't catch colds or flu. Seemingly this lowers our resistance to those viruses. I will continue to be very cautious even though I have had the flu vaccine and the covid booster jab. The last time I caught a cold about six years ago I was very ill and I have no wish to repeat that.
Dr Jenny Harries (former deputy chief medical officer for England) was on TV at the weekend and highlighted the risk of people catching flu and covid at the same time due to both viruses still circulating at the same time and people socialising more now, especially indoors as the weather changes in winter. Also referenced in theguardian.com/oct10.
I always intended to stay at home more during winter months. Especially during January to end of March when weather is pretty awful anyway. BUT if I really want to go out I will do. Like others I can become extremely unwell with a basic cold but I believe that whilst I need to take precautions and be careful, that life needs to be lived.I followed guidance when shielding and if any guidance is produced this winter then I shall consider it. I am fortunate that now I have stopped working I can choose to “hibernate” during the worse of the weather but as said if get opportunity to go out I shall do.
100% agree. People must do as they feel comfortable with. I actually have hobbies lined up for winter months (as I did last winter) so am sure that time will go quickly.
Hi Cales, I haven't had my flu jab yet, but even when I do I will be staying and will be very careful. Have a lovely day and take care 😊 Bernadette and Jack 🐕 xxxxxx
It's not scare mongering Leslie just common sense that our immune systems,through shielding and not mixing with the great unwashed have become lazy to a certain extent and not having been exposed to the normal flu strains and virises in circulation we will be more prone to catching whatever is doing the rounds.However don't bunker down and just take the normal sensible precautions to avoid catching the flu and you can still take that skiing holiday or stand around the bonfire(protecting your lungs) and roast your chestnuts or whatever rocks your boat at winter time.
Personally I fear that because we have been protecting ourselves from all bugs,germs and viruses for 18 months we could get a bad reaction to a cold and flu viral/ bacterial infection now we are mixing more. I’m working now so can’t protect myself from others really but will try to avoid anyone with colds as much as I can.
I think that keeping up the hand washing and care about visitors with obvious colds etc, will help, it seems to be that hand to the face, passes so much on. Pre Covid I used to get annoyed with people, especially at my GP's surgery, who would sneeze, or let their children sneeze, without using a tissue. Then if they sneezed into their hand, would then just carry on handling things around them. I always had hand wipes, to attempt to keep my hands free of their cold bugs.
I shall be limiting the amount of people I see even further, maintaining good hand hygiene and getting fresh air when possible! You know what they say "Hope for the best, prepare for the worst"!! xx
This is exactly what I am doing. I am not in a position where I can take any risks so am seeing very few people , mainly outside , or Zooming! Stay safe and as optimistic as possible. Zephir
Prevalance of flu increases during the winter and this is because people are in close contact with each other. This will be the first year since 2020 when restrictions have been lifted and people are able to move freely. By moving freely, it will mean more people will come into contact with earch other and more chance of becoming ill.
In my opinion, we will not know how bad it will until probably December and I don't believe it is scaremongering but a unknown risk.
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