NHS England reports a tidal wave of flu cases straining hospitals across England, with the number of patients rising by 70%, in just one week.
With the approach of the festive season, health leaders are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated to prevent what they are now calling ‘Festive Flu’.
An average of 1,861 patients have been hospitalised with the flu every day, over the past week, including 66 in critical care beds. These numbers are 3.5 times higher than the ones recorded at the same time last year.
NHS figures also show that rates of Norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also on the rise, with cases of norovirus increasing by 10%, compared to last week and by almost two-thirds, since last year.
The NHS expressed concerns over potential ‘quad-demic’, in light of this ‘tidal wave’ of seasonal illnesses. It has been reported that in places like Christmas markets, football clubs, and supermarkets, staff have administered almost 28 million vaccines, so far.
Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national Medical Director, said on Thursday: “The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS – the figures are adding to our ‘quad-demic’ worries.
“While the NHS has plans in place to manage additional demand over the busy winter period, with 1 week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid ‘festive flu”
A spokesperson at a pharmacy in Bristol told Bower News of the importance of the vaccination stating that it is the best way to protect yourself against the virus. “It is definitely not a 100% effective, however it does help.”
