Professor Adam Finn, a member of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has expressed concern that the UK might see an epidemic of flu later this year. He warned that a large-scale flu outbreak would have a devasting impact as immunity in the general population is lacking due to the tight coronavirus restrictions in force last Winter. Professor Finn's concerns were raised as the Government plans for this year's flu vaccination programme are expected to be unveiled later today.

       Professor Finn told Sky News: "The truth is we see epidemics of influenza every Winter with one exemption and that was last Winter.

       "The restrictions there were in place before and after the second wave were sufficient to stop influenza from being passed around.

       "As a result, we are actually concerned we may see a much bigger epidemic of influenza this year simply because all the immunity that epidemic would have created doesn't exist.

       "So then if you have the coincidence of a big flu epidemic and a further wave of Covid that doubles the pressure of the health service."

       "Flu is actually a more serious illness than Covid in some respects," he continued.

       "Certainly in children.

       "And combined with Covid it is going to cause real problems."