Patients being ‘handled in cabinets’ as NHS hospitals ravaged by ‘superflu’
Doctors are warning people to get their vaccine as a “last chance” to provide protection from the flu as hospitals struggle to cope with a staggering rise in cases of the disease
Patients are being treated in cupboards as hospital cases for the “superflu” surge in the past week. Brits are now being warned to get the vaccine to get their “last chance” for protection before the winter really starts to hit.
Our hospitals are being inundated with cases of the H3N2 surge, which is this winter’s strain of the traditional flu. However, with cases on the rise, new data shows no sign of cases peaking before Christmas, meaning thousands more could be affected.
It comes as new figures show that as many as 2,260 patients were brought into hospital with the flu. This could cause a host of other issues, and hospitals are now urging many to wear masks when visiting to stop the spread.
The data shows that this year’s flu season has started early, and more and more people are falling victim to the illness as our population ages. Many who have the flu during this time will recover at home, but the potential for the flu to spread — especially during the holiday period — means thousands of potentially vulnerable groups could be put at risk.
These groups, including those aged over 65, young children and those with disabilities could be disproportionately affected and may get severely ill with the condition. The figures back this up, with recent records pointing to the highest ever number of hospital cases for this time of year.
Speaking on the scale of the impact, Dr Vicky Price from the Society for Acute Medicine, once again highlighted how badly the NHS is struggling. She added that this is “a sadly familiar picture of a system under relentless strain”.
“We are witnessing the appalling reality of corridor care on an unprecedented scale,” Dr Price explained. “This week we have seen clinicians reviewing patients in waiting rooms due to lack of space, and cupboards used as temporary clinical areas – a new low for patient care standards.”
According to predictions from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), it is believed by the end of the week, some 8,000 patients could be in hospital with the virus in England. This massively eclipses the previous record of 5,400.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, warned the “unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year” and there was no peak in sight. But other services are also starting to struggle, as schools are starting to serve as superspreader locations for the disease.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals.”
The new strain of flu, labelled “subclade K” or H3N2, is said to be behind the rise in infections. Its symptoms are a lot harsher, according to doctors and is able to spread across the population a lot more quickly.
Pharmacies are now warning their stock of flu vaccines are running out due to unprecedented demand to get the jab before Christmas. The UKHSA has issued an urgent warning to get vaccinated before the big day to protect yourself and others.
“There is still plenty of flu vaccine available to protect those who need it – what’s running out is time to be protected ahead of Christmas,” a spokesperson said. “If you are eligible this is the last chance to get protected as we head into Christmas – so make an appointment with the NHS today.”
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