The NHS has urged people to get their flu vaccines urgently as a ‘superflu’ spreads rapidly across the UK – several schools have also had to close as many fall ill
The NHS has issued an urgent plea for Brits to get vaccinated as a ‘superflu’ tears through the nation at breakneck speed. Hospital admissions have surged threefold in London, whilst schools nationwide are being forced to shut their doors due to the relentless spread.
Health chiefs have warned they are ‘bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter’. During the past week, an average of 259 patients were occupying hospital beds throughout London due to influenza – a dramatic spike from the daily average of 89 during the corresponding period last year.
The London Ambulance Service reports it has been managing exceptionally high call volumes – approximately 7,500 daily over November’s final weekend – figures typically reserved for New Year’s Eve, traditionally their most demanding day, reports the Express.
This development coincides with schools closing as flu outbreaks intensify, with hundreds of students falling ill simultaneously.
School leaders reveal they’ve been compelled to implement stringent measures to stem what’s been dubbed a “tidal wave of flu” in recent weeks, resulting in a dramatic spike in pupil absences.
Several schools have temporarily closed for multiple days to conduct thorough deep cleaning operations, whilst others have implemented substantial modifications, including the suspension of singing during assembly gatherings.
Recently, St Martin’s School in Caerphilly was closed for a “firebreak” period after 250 students and staff members became unwell.
In correspondence to parents and guardians, headteacher Lee Jarvis explained the institution had encountered “a significant outbreak of flu-like illness”.
Congleton High School announced on social media that they were forced to close their doors on November 26 and 27 for a thorough deep clean of the premises, following consultations with the UK Security North West Health Protection Team and Infection Control Team.
The London Ambulance Service experienced its busiest November on record last month, with 999 call handlers fielding a staggering 192,600 calls – a leap of over 13,000 compared to the same period last year.
Dr Chris Streather, Chief Medical Director for the NHS in London, stated: “The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite this, we know that surging flu cases, coinciding with industrial action by resident doctors, will put pressure on services in the coming weeks.
“While we’ve vaccinated over 1.8 million people this season, there are still vulnerable people who haven’t come forward. If you’re in one of the eligible groups and you haven’t had your flu vaccine yet, I urge you to come forward as soon as possible – it’s never too late.”
Health experts have warned: “With flu cases at a record high and no peak yet in sight, London’s NHS system is facing an unprecedented flu wave this winter.”
The NHS has issued a plea to Londoners to get their flu jab “as a matter of urgency,” underlining that with Christmas just around the corner, “now is the time to act.”
Dr Fenella Wrigley, chief medical officer for the London Ambulance Service, urged: “I strongly urge all eligible people to get a flu vaccination.
“We are extremely busy and our 999 control rooms are taking a number of calls from people with flu or similar viral illnesses.
“Flu can make you feel very unwell, but most healthy people recover with rest, fluids and products available at your pharmacy to manage symptoms. We need our clinicians to be available to help the people who are more seriously unwell with flu or other conditions.”