UK flu wave after numbers quadruple in a month as consultants warn of ‘harmful’ weekend
The already-strained NHS is under massive pressure from Brits struck down with the flu and winter vomiting bug, just as temperatures are set to plummet to as low as -10C this weekend
Britain is staring down the barrel of a flu tidal wave as the number of hospitalisations quadrupled in a month. And the dire situation is likely to get worse before it gets better as the nation is set to battle artic conditions this weekend.
Figures from health surveillance programmes show 4,500 Brits were hospitalised with a bad dose every day last week, up 3.5 times compared to the same week last year. And a total of 211 flu-stricken patients were being treated in critical care last week, up 69% on the week before.
The admissions have added pressure to an already strained NHS as the numbers continue to grow. On Christmas Day 4,100 were being treated in hospitals for the flu and, just four days later, the number hit 5,000.
People are also presenting at hospitals with norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, with rates 40% higher than last year. Health chiefs are “very concerned” at rate of admissions as they pile pressure on the NHS as the nation prepares for a cold snap where temperatures could drop to -10C.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These latest figures show 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.
“On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.
“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions.
“So, if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication. Please continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”
Adam Brimelow, director, of NHS Providers, also said: “These figures show services coming under relentless pressure and it looks like things will get worse before they get better.
“This week’s cold snap is likely to add to already huge demand for NHS services. It feels like the worst Christmas and New Year the NHS has seen for many years, according to some trust leaders.
“The winter flu blitz came early with A&Es and wards exceptionally busy and in many places ambulances having to queue outside hospitals, waiting to bring in patients.”
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