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 The flu vaccine is one way to protect against the worst effects of the illness – even if it doesn’t stop you from getting flu, it could prevent you from getting the most severe symptoms or needing hospitalisation. More than 17.4 million flu vaccines have been delivered so far this year, 170,000 more than this time last year. Currently, the free flu vaccine is offered to children aged two to three years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions. But for under-twos who don’t have any long-term health conditions, it’s a bit of a grey area. A spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) told HuffPost UK infants under six months of age are too young to have the flu vaccine, which is why vaccination is offered during pregnancy as it provides protection for the baby. “If a child aged six months to two years is in a clinical risk group, they are eligible for a flu vaccine,” they added. But if they are not eligible for the national programme, parents would need to check with a pharmacy to see if they’re able to get one privately. And in many cases, you can’t. Boots pharmacies, for example, only offer the NHS childhood flu vaccination, where children aged two to three years are eligible. My local independent pharmacy said it isn’t offering flu vaccines to young children. HuffPost UK has also reached out to Superdrug about their childhood flu vaccine offering. Dr Mezher added: “The nasal spray flu vaccine is licensed from age two, and injectable flu vaccines in younger children are used only in specific clinical circumstances. Parents who are concerned should speak to their GP or health visitor, particularly if their child has a medical condition that may increase risk.” So, how can parents best protect children under two from flu? The GP added that parents can reduce risk by: Ensuring parents, siblings and close contacts are vaccinated against flu, creating a protective “cocoon” around the child Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell Practising good hand hygiene and regularly cleaning shared surfaces Limiting exposure to crowded indoor environments during periods of high flu circulation Making sure babies are feeding well and staying hydrated. He explained that flu is caused by a virus, so routine antibiotics “do not work against viral infections”. “Antibiotics should only be used if a healthcare professional has assessed the child and suspects a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or tonsillitis,” he continued. Symptoms of flu in children Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include : sudden high temperature (fever) an aching body feeling tired or exhausted a dry cough a sore throat a headache difficulty sleeping loss of appetite diarrhoea or tummy pain feeling sick and being sick ear pain being less active. When should parents seek medical help? Dr Mezher said if your baby or young child develops fast or laboured breathing, poor feeding, significantly fewer wet nappies, a high or persistent fever, unusual drowsiness or irritability, or symptoms that are worsening rather than improving, it’s best to seek urgent medical advice. The NHS said GP practices will continue to be open and urgent and emergency care services will continue to be available for those who need them during the strikes. You can use 111 online as the first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues, and anyone who needs emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or go to A&E as normal. Related... 'Flu Changed My Life Forever – I'm On Permanent Oxygen And Had To Change Jobs' NHS Urges Flu Vaccination As They Face 'Worst Case Scenario' I Asked A GP For Ways To Tell 'Superflu' From 'Normal' Flu