With doctors now on strike amid a rise in flu cases, the NHS is bracing itself for a “worst-case scenario” this winter.

To try and prevent people from experiencing the worst effects of the illness, the health service is issuing an “urgent plea” for people to get vaccinated in time to protect themselves over the New Year.

It has also urged people to not put off coming forward for care, despite the staff strikes, which take place for five days from 17 December and end on 22 December.

Last week, the health service shared that an average of 2,660 patients were in a hospital bed with flu – the “highest ever” number for this time of year, up 55% from the week before.

For parents of young children in particular, this can be a worry. I’m feeling it myself. My kids are four and almost two: the eldest has had a flu vaccine via her school, but the youngest isn’t eligible.

And she is the one I worry about most, as her immune system is less developed.

Dr Sermed Mezher, a London-based GP, told HuffPost UK: “Children under 2 have immature immune systems and smaller airways, which means flu can affect them more seriously than older children.

“Infection can lead to complications such as breathing difficulties, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and dehydration. This is why preventing infection and recognising symptoms early is especially important in this age group.”

Some children get the free flu vaccine, but not all

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