The number of people in hospital with flu in England has increased at a very concerning rate over the past month, UK’s national health service (NHS) officials said.
Data shows that by the end of last week, 5,000 patients were being treated for the virus in hospital. This is nearly 3.5 times higher than the same period in 2023, though lower than in 2022, BBC reported.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said the figures highlight that “the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.”
The head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine told the BBC that hospitals are under significant pressure, with flu contributing to what he described as a situation that is “pushing them to breaking point.”
UK health officials have also raised concerns about the impact of very cold weather expected this weekend, particularly on vulnerable groups and the health system. Professor Redhead warned that low temperatures can be harmful to those with respiratory conditions and advised people at risk to stay warm and ensure they have enough regular medication.
The UK Health Security Agency said it is not unusual to see an increase in flu cases during winter and noted that this rise had been anticipated. It added that this was the reason for urging eligible groups, including health and social care workers, to take advantage of free flu vaccines. According to the latest vaccination figures, 33 per cent of pregnant women, 37 per cent of people in at-risk groups, and 73 per cent of those aged over 65 have received the jab.
Hospitals have taken additional steps to manage the pressure from admissions caused by flu and other winter viruses, such as Covid and norovirus. Extra beds have been made available to cope with the demand.
NHS officials also said they have expanded support for individuals who frequently require emergency care, with more treatment options now provided outside hospitals.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said the NHS has done “all it could” to prepare for winter challenges. However, he acknowledged that the system remains in a state of “national vulnerability,” and the intense pressure is now affecting local services.
UK sees alarming surge in flu cases | World News – Times of India
