A NEW flu epidemic could bring the West Midlands to a standstill this winter with some experts warning that the UK could be on the brink of one of the worst outbreaks in years.

Health workers have started vaccinating patients said to be most at risk from a possible outbreak of the condition as the flu season arrives.

The highly-contagious disease can be fatal and, in a worst case scenario, if the virus sweeps through the West Midlands, thousands of workers could be laid off sick, paralysing the region’s economy.

The spectre of many schools being closed could also become a reality.

The warning comes as new Hollywood blockbuster Contagion hits cinema screens.

Its disturbing storyline evolves around a global flu pandemic which kills millions worldwide.

It follows the deadly progress of an airborne virus as it passes from person to person, developing into a global killer.

During previous flu outbreaks, hospitals in the West Midlands have been stretched to breaking point with refrigerated lorries used as makeshift mortuaries.

Last year, 602 people died from various strains of influenza and swine flu in the UK with 70 per cent of the deaths striking people orginally not thought to be at risk.

An epidemic occurs when 400 in every 100,000 people have the virus.

Traditional winter flu – or influenza B – was associated with just 40 deaths. This is the variety usually associated with over-65s, and this age group have been urged to take advantage of a free jab to guard against the disease.

Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: “A five-minute jab could save lives. Flu can be a serious illness, especially for those at risk.”