Even If You’ve Had the Flu Jab: A Winter Warning About This Year’s Severe Flu

For many of us, having the flu vaccination feels like ticking an important winter health box. 

You do the sensible thing, protect yourself and others, and expect that if flu does strike, it will at least be mild.

This winter, that expectation has not always been met.

Despite vaccination, a significant number of people across the UK are still contracting an unusually aggressive strain of influenza, often referred to in everyday language as “super flu”. My wife and I both caught it while attending a funeral shortly before Christmas. 

I have been unwell, but my wife has been particularly badly affected, with symptoms that have lingered and hit far harder than a typical seasonal illness.

This experience has prompted us to share a warning, not to discourage vaccination, but to encourage realistic expectations, vigilance, and early self-care.

Are This Year’s Flu Vaccines “Not Working”?

It’s important to be clear and factual.

Flu vaccines are not failing outright, but this season they appear to be less effective at preventing infection for some people. This can happen when:

Circulating flu strains mutate after vaccines are produced

Multiple influenza strains circulate at once

Individual immune responses vary

Protection reduces over time, particularly in winter peaks

Vaccination still reduces the risk of hospitalisation, pneumonia, and death, which is why the NHS continues to recommend it, especially for older adults, carers, and those with underlying conditions.

However, this year has shown clearly that being vaccinated does not guarantee you won’t get flu — or that it will be mild.

How This “Super Flu” Is Presenting

Many people report symptoms that are stronger, longer-lasting, and more debilitating than a standard cold or flu, including:

Severe exhaustion that doesn’t lift with rest

Persistent chesty or dry cough

High fever and chills lasting several days

Headaches and muscle pain

Loss of appetite and nausea

Chest tightness or breathlessness

Lingering weakness well into recovery

For some, symptoms are lasting two to three weeks, even in otherwise healthy adults.

What You Can Do at Home If You Catch It

If symptoms are manageable and you’re not in a high-risk group, home care is often appropriate — but it needs to be taken seriously.

1. Rest Properly (Not “Pushing Through”)

This is not a flu to power through. Rest is not optional.

Stay in bed or on the sofa

Avoid physical exertion

Reduce screen time if headaches worsen

Returning to normal activity too soon can prolong recovery.

2. Hydration Is Critical

Flu dehydrates you quickly.

Sip water regularly

Warm drinks can ease coughing

Oral rehydration drinks can help if appetite is low

Dark urine or dizziness are signs you’re not drinking enough.

3. Fever and Pain Relief

Paracetamol can help reduce fever and aches

Ibuprofen may help with inflammation if suitable for you

Avoid combining medicines unnecessarily

Always follow UK dosage guidance.

4. Ease Chest and Breathing Symptoms

Steam inhalation or warm showers may ease congestion

Keep rooms well-ventilated but warm

Sleep slightly propped up if coughing worsens at night

If breathing becomes laboured or painful, seek medical advice immediately.

5. Support the Immune System

While not cures, the following may help recovery:

Light, nourishing foods (soups, broths)

Honey and lemon or orange for sore throats (not for children under one)

Adequate vitamin intake through diet

Avoid alcohol — it can worsen dehydration and fatigue.

When to Seek Medical Help

Do not rely solely on home care if any of the following occur:

Difficulty breathing or chest pain

Fever lasting more than 5 days

Blue lips or extreme drowsiness

Confusion or collapse

Symptoms worsening after initial improvement

Contact NHS 111, your GP, or emergency services as appropriate.

A Final Word of Caution

This winter’s flu is not something to dismiss as “just a bad cold” — even if you’ve done everything right and had your jab.

Vaccination still matters. Hygiene still matters. But listening to your body, resting properly, and acting early matter just as much.

If you’re attending gatherings, funerals, or crowded indoor events, be aware that flu is circulating widely — and hitting harder than many expect.

Please take care of yourselves — and each other.