Deadly flu epidemic could strike UK this winter after Australia battles early outbreak, experts warn

The latest figures show there have been nearly 94,000 confirmed cases of flu in Australia so far this year, compared with just 12,000 in total in 2018.

Of those cases, 147 people have died from the virus in the first five months of the year, while at the same point in 2018, the number of deaths was 23.

'Very scary indeed'

The flu season in the UK tends to mirror that in Australia, prompting fears the latest strain could reach the country this winter.

While the high figures could just show an early-peaking outbreak, rather than an epidemic, the numbers have sparked concern.

They’re currently on par with cases normally seen in July and August at the height of the Australian flu season, according to the Healthcare Service Journal.

Tak Hassan, of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said the figures looked "very scary indeed" and called for the NHS to take action now to prepare for a possible epidemic.

He said: "We struggled last year [in A&Es] in incredibly benevolent circumstances. I am not sure that is going to happen this year.

"It is very important that we prepare. Perhaps we need to start vaccination early and set aside some money."

Dr Hassan stressed work was needed to improve vaccination uptake for healthcare workers and "at risk" groups, as well as robust planning for increased bed capacity to avoid people being left waiting in hospital corridors.

"NHS England will really need to focus on how to provide clear ring-fenced extra resources for these people," he said.

'A worrying signal'