Urgent 'tidal wave of flu' warning as Christmas party season in full swing
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The “tidal wave of flu” is continuing with Christmas party season in full swing as hospitalisations due to the virus jumped 41% last week. NHS England data shows flu bed occupancy has already surpassed last year’s peak and suggests infections are four times higher than the same time last year. An average of 2,629 flu patients were in beds in England each day last week, and 125 of these were in a critical condition. This is up 41% from a total of 1,861 patients the previous week, when 66 were in critical care beds.
The week before had seen a 70% rise in flu hospitalisations when NHS England’s top doctor Sir Stephen Powis warned they were 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.”.
The latest NHS winter update shows one in 20 hospital beds in England are being taken up or closed by a festive bug. The data suggests sickness bug norovirus and coughs and cold bug respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also circulating at high levels. There were 711 beds taken up by norovirus patients last week, almost a quarter more than last year, and 127 children in hospital with RSV each day last week, also up a quartet on last year.
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.”.
