Flu WARNING: The vaccine is NOT always effective, warns an expert

But Dr. Connor Bamford, a virologist at the MRC-Glasgow University of Scotland's Virus Research Center, warned that, despite fears, the vaccine may not be effective for everyone, it could "make the difference between life or death. Dr. Bamford highlighted the simplest way to prevent the flu virus – by urging people who are worried about the disease to be vaccinated.

Sending to Express.co.uk, Dr. Bamford said, "Vaccines work by a protective immune response so that when you see a virus, you will have some kind of immunity to block it so that He can not grow to a higher level.

"But the vaccines are not perfect and for one reason or another, they do not trigger a very strong immune response that will protect you against the disease.

"But the vaccine induces a better response than anything, so I'll make sure everyone gets vaccinated and that could make all the difference between life and death."

To prevent the spread of viral infection, the virologist said that people should dress, eat well, exercise and, in case of illness, cover their mouths if they sneeze or cough and avoid going to work and being in overcrowded places.

Public Health England (PHE) has confirmed that the spread of the flu has already had a "significant impact" on hospital services.

According to PHE statistics, GP visits in the first week of January resulted in a 78% increase in the number of influenza-like illnesses.

A spokesman for Public Health England (PHE) said: "Statistics show that over the past week, generalist visits with flu-like illness, hospitalization rates and Intensive care admission rates have all increased.

"The flu has a moderate impact on hospital admissions and a significant impact on admissions to intensive care units and high-addiction units."

The number of general practitioner visits for influenza has gone from about 15 to 19 out of 19 since last week, with an increase of 3.5 to 4.75 in hospitalized patients.

Richard Pebody, PHE Flu Manager, added, "Last week, hospital and ICU admission rates increased slightly, which means that the flu is starting to have a bigger impact.

"We are currently mainly observing an influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus that is well adapted to the strains in this year's influenza vaccines.

"Previous influenza seasons suggest that this strain particularly affects children, pregnant women and adults with chronic diseases, so if you are eligible, it's not too late to get your free vaccine to protect you and protect them. vulnerable people around you. "