People across Somerset are being urged to get their flu jabs now – as health chiefs issue a stark warning over cold and flu tablets found to be useless at tackling symptoms.

Somerset Council said the virus is already spreading in Wells, Street, Glastonbury and Shepton Mallet – and raised concerns that one of the most common decongestants in British medicine cabinets doesn't actually work.

Phenylephrine, the active ingredient in popular remedies like Lemsip, Beechams and Sudafed, has come under fire after studies showed it is no more effective than a placebo when taken as a tablet. It became widely used as an alternative to pseudoephedrine, which is effective but restricted due to its use in illegal drug-making.

But health experts say phenylephrine doesn't survive the digestive system – meaning it fails to reach the nasal tissues where it's supposed to work.

Somerset Council's public health lead, Councillor Graham Oakes, said: "Flu is already circulating. Getting the jab is quick, safe and protects those most at risk. Now is the time."

Dr Hisham Al-Obaidi, Advanced Pharmacist Practitioner and lecturer at the University of Reading, said: "Consumers expect medicines to be both safe and effective — not just safe. With growing evidence phenylephrine doesn't work, we need to question why it's still sold."

Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association, added: "The debate about the effectiveness of phenylephrine as an oral decongestant has been going on for some time and science now seems to prove that it is not effective while there are plenty of other products available. It is time for our regulators to intervene and give their guidance to help all pharmacists make the correctly informed professional decision."

Professor Ron Eccles, former director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, said: "When taken orally phenylephrine is an ineffective decongestant because it is metabolised in the gut and liver before it reaches the nose. My view is that oral phenylephrine products should be discontinued in the UK as they do not provide any decongestion." He added: "However, nasal decongestant sprays are effective and work within minutes and the decongestion effect lasts for eight hours."

Despite this, UK regulators say no safety issues have been identified. Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said: "People can continue using phenylephrine products as directed. Patient safety is our top priority, and all available data is carefully considered when authorising any medicine."

Michelle Riddalls, chief executive of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain, which represents drug manufacturers, defended the products. She said: "Consumer safety is paramount to our members, including those who manufacture products containing phenylephrine. The products on the market here are combined with other active ingredients to provide the best possible symptom relief."

The NHS flu vaccine is free for over-65s, pregnant women, people with health conditions, carers, health and social care workers, and children aged 2 to 3 or in primary and secondary school. Jabs can be booked through GPs, local pharmacies or the national booking system. Health staff should show ID at a pharmacy or drop-in clinic.

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