Could the 2023/2024 Flu season be worse than in recent years? If so, why is that the case?

During the first three years of the pandemic, Covid-19 protective measures such as face masks and social distancing successfully reduced the circulation of all respiratory viruses including flu.

There is less general immunity to flu and the general population is therefore more easily susceptible, so there is now a valid concern about the possibility of large outbreaks occurring. Many young children and babies will have never been exposed to the flu virus meaning they will be much more susceptible this year.

It makes sense for everyone to be as well-prepared as possible. Flu vaccination is the most important precaution: ideally, everyone should be vaccinated.