NHS hit by 'festive flu' as docs issue chilling 'think twice about seeing loved ones' warning
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Brits have been warned the country is facing a “tidal wave of flu” in the run up to Christmas as the number of people hospitalised with the virus jumped 41% last week. Data from NHS England shows more beds are already full than at the peak of last year’s flu season and it is possible the number of people with the virus is four times higher now than in 2023.
Last week an average of 2,629 patients were in hospital beds each day, with 125 of those cases in a critical condition. That is a massive 41% increase from the previous week, which saw 1,861 patients with 66 of those in critical care beds. The week before had seen a 70% rise in flu hospitalisations with NHS England’s top doctor, Sir Stephen Powis, warning Britain was facing a “tidal wave of flu”.
Prof Powis said: “As children finish school and friends and families congregate over the Christmas period we expect viruses to continue to spread so if you haven’t got your flu jab and are eligible please come forward, and the public should think twice about seeing loved ones if they are seriously unwell.”.
One in 20 hospital beds in England are currently being taken up or closed by a festive bug. This is partly thanks to norovirus, coughs, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) circulating at high levels. Norovirus beds were up more than a quarter on last year as were cases of RSV in children. Saffron Cordery, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents hospital trusts, said: “There’s been no let-up for NHS trusts as flu and other nasty winter bugs, including norovirus and RSV continue to take their toll. The situation is likely to get worse before it gets better with viruses expected to spread further as schools close for Christmas and festive gatherings get into full swing.”.
