Getty ImagesThe number of people with flu in hospitals in England has quadrupled over the past month and is rising at a “very worrying rate”, NHS chiefs have warned.
The latest data shows there were 5,000 virus patients being treated in hospital last weekend – which is almost 3.5 times higher than the same week in 2023, although not as high as it was in 2022.
The head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine told the BBC that the pressure on hospitals was “unacceptably dire” and that the flu was pushing them to the breaking point.
This comes as health officials warn of the impact of extremely cold weather expected this weekend on vulnerable patients and the health system.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said the figures show that “the pressure from influenza was nowhere close to abating before we headed into the new year, rising to more than 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of End of the year.” “Last week, it is rising at a very alarming rate.”
He added: “With what looks like a severe cold snap expected across England ahead of the weekend, we know that low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are frail or suffering from respiratory illness.”
Professor Redhead says people at risk should try to keep warm and make sure any regular medication they have is stocked up.
It is not unusual to see an increase in influenza cases during the winter. The UK’s Health Security Agency says this was “expected”, which is why it has been urging those eligible to get a free flu vaccine, especially health and social care workers.
About 33% of pregnant women, 37% of people in the high-risk group, and 73% of people over 65 have received the vaccine, according to the latest vaccination figures.
“Shortage of family”
Hospitals have prepared extra beds this year to help deal with the pressure on admissions caused by influenza and other winter viruses, including Covid and norovirus (winter vomiting virus).
NHS chiefs say they have also added more support for people who frequently need emergency services, with more care being offered outside hospitals.
Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said the NHS had previously done “everything we could” to reduce risks to patients, but the service remained in a “national vulnerability” position as “severe pressures” began to impact local services. . .
Figures last week show that about 12,200 patients were left waiting in ambulances for more than an hour before being cared for in hospital.
Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: This was an extremely difficult time for patients and staff.
“What we see is that ambulances are often stuck outside emergency departments, and our emergency departments are full.”
He said there was “a tremendous amount of harm that could be avoided – excess deaths that should not occur.”
He added: “The flu is the straw that broke the camel’s back, because we suffer from this chronic shortage of beds within our hospitals, and we are not using these beds properly because we have not reformed social care.”
His criticism comes on the day the Health and Social Care Secretary made plans to do so Adult social care reform in England Although it is unlikely to be delivered before 2028 at the earliest.
It is located in a number of hospitals in different areas of England Restricted visits Patients and visitors were asked to wear face masks to prevent the spread of influenza.
In Scotland, there has also been a significant rise in the number of people in hospital with influenza. Earlier this week, First Minister John Swinney said the NHS was under “very significant pressure”.
A Welsh Government spokesman said there were continuing “high levels of demand” for urgent and emergency care services this winter, and an increase in flu cases had added to pressure over the Christmas period.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
Flu symptoms It can progress very quickly and include:
- Sudden rise in temperature
- Painful body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- headache
- Feeling and illness
Children and adults are affected in a similar way.
Who is eligible for a free flu vaccine?
Free flu vaccine is available for Those who are considered at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza During late fall and early winter, including people:
- Is 65 years of age or older
- With some long-term health conditions
- Who are pregnant?
- Living in a care home
- You are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, or receive Carer’s Allowance
- Living with someone who has a weakened immune system
- They are a frontline health and social care worker
The vaccine is also offered to children aged 2-3 years and school-age children.
Anyone in the eligible groups in England can book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy, where available, or contact their employer if they are an NHS frontline worker.
People can also pay for vaccines privately at some pharmacies.
Why is the flu so bad this year?
Influenza causes problems every winter, as it is the season when viruses spread most easily and can make some people very ill.
The severity of seasonal influenza varies from year to year, depending on many factors, including which strains of influenza virus are most circulating and how many people have been vaccinated against influenza.
Why are some flu outbreaks so much worse than others?
A wave of influenza appears to have occurred earlier this winter than expected – in December, rather than January or February – with more people unwell and off work over the Christmas and New Year period, and some To treatment in hospital.
People coming into contact with friends and family during Christmas celebrations may have increased the spread of the virus.
Health officials saw a flu wave coming, and urged people to take up the offer of a free flu shot for some time.
However, fewer people have been vaccinated than officials had hoped, with just over a third of the most at-risk adults getting the vaccine so far.
Several different strains of influenza tend to circulate each winter, and the vaccine was created in advance to combat the current, expected wave. According to health officials, the vaccine is doing its job.
Vaccines are especially important in protecting against serious diseases. Most people will recover from the flu within a few weeks, but it can be serious, especially if you have a long-term health condition or low immunity.
Thousands of people die from Influenza-related illnesses every year.