SOARING rates of flu across Barnsley - which has led to hospitalisations - has led the town’s public health boss to issue an urgent plea to people to get vaccinated.

This week the UK Health Security Agency reported that cases of flu and respiratory illnesses are continuing to increase, particularly amongst school-aged children, with signs of a possible earlier flu season than in previous years.

Barnsley Council’s public health director, Anna Hartley, spoke out on the matter and urged people to take up the offer of a vaccine.

She told the Chronicle that it’s been proven to have between a 70 and 75 per cent success rate in preventing youngsters from attending hospital.

“Flu spreads easily in winter because we all spend more time indoors with each other and have larger social gatherings,” she said.

“Children are prone to catching winter viruses like flu, which they can easily pass on to other family members, even if they don’t have any symptoms themselves.

“Children have the same flu symptoms as adults including fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat lasting up to a week.

“Flu can cause serious illness in children and vulnerable people, including acute bronchitis, ear infections and pneumonia. In some cases, children may require hospitalisation and intensive care treatment.

“We can prevent the spread of flu and the likelihood of getting seriously ill by getting ourselves - if eligible - and our children vaccinated.

“The nasal flu vaccine has been safely delivered in the UK for many years and is highly effective in protecting our children against flu.

“As we head into winter, it’s more important than ever that we look after ourselves and each other.

“Simple actions, like washing our hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when we’re unwell, can make a real difference in keeping our families and communities healthy.

“Vaccinations remain a key tool in protecting against serious illness, but it’s also about supporting those around us, checking in on neighbours, and making sure our children are well enough before sending them to school.

“Together, we can help Barnsley stay safe and resilient this winter.”

Hospital admissions have increased locally for flu, while influenza-confirmed acute respiratory infections are also on the rise.

“I’ve three children and I cannot stress how important the flu vaccine is,” Anna added.

“It’s very easy to access and it’s a very successful prevention against what can be a very serious illness.

“Parents of children who are aged two or three should contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination or speak to a local pharmacist.

“School-aged children, from reception to year 11, will mainly be offered their flu vaccinations at school.

“Parents and carers will have received a link to a consent form to consent to their child being vaccinated, or via SMS text from the NHS for that home educated, not in education.

“There will be further opportunities to get vaccinated in community clinics provided by the school immunisation team - these sessions may also enable vaccination of two and three-year-old children.”

The hospital has infection prevention and control (IPC) measures to help protect staff and patients from flu.

A number of these have been tightened, including mandating universal mask-wearing for colleagues in the emergency department.

A spokesperson from Barnsley Hospital confirmed more people are being hospitalised by flu.

“We’re seeing a rise in the number of patients with flu who need hospital care - the hospital strongly encourages people who are eligible to take up the flu vaccine as soon as they can, to protect themselves from getting flu over the festive period,” they added.

“The flu vaccine this year is a good match to circulating strains and significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Vaccinated adults are around 30 to 40 per cent less likely to attend or be admitted to hospital compared to those who are not vaccinated.

“The trust is reminding the public not to visit family or friends in hospital if they are suffering from a flu-like illness.

“Many of our patients are vulnerable and we want to do everything possible to keep them safe.”