Urgent ‘party flu’ warning as NHS records ‘really worrying’ wave of cases | United Kingdom | News
Hospitalizations of flu sufferers have risen by 70% in the past seven days as the NHS struggles to cope with the “tidal wave” of cases.
Last week, an average of 1,861 people were admitted to hospital each day, compared to 1,099 the week before and just 402 at the same time last year.
Children aged 5 to 14 are most affected, but adult cases are expected to rise in the coming weeks as schools and nurseries close, according to the UK Health and Safety Agency.
Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds, as well as norovirus, the winter vomiting virus, are also on the rise across the country.
According to figures from NHS England, an average of 837 beds were occupied by people with Norovirus last week, an increase of 64% on the same period the previous year.
Meanwhile, 152 children were hospitalized each day due to RSV last week, an increase of almost 50% from the previous year.
The increase in the number of multiple illnesses raises fears of a potential “quad-demic” and the capacity of health services to cope with an increase in illnesses while overwhelmed doctors approach the peak winter season under significant pressure.
Rory Deighton, acute director of the NHS Confederation, the membership organization which speaks on behalf of the entire health system, said: “These figures are deeply worrying as they provide further evidence that the NHS is already subject to considerable pressure before winter pressures reach their peak. .
“We knew health services were overextended, with emergency rooms, ambulances and GPs experiencing their busiest October on record. But it is clear that the impact of seasonal viruses such as flu and norovirus is being felt much earlier than in previous years, with 10% more sick leave than in the same week last year. last year. Ambulance transfer delays are already much higher than the same week last year, while bed occupancy remains above safe levels.
“NHS leaders and their teams are working incredibly hard to provide patients with the care they need in very difficult circumstances and signs suggest we are in for a very difficult winter.
“Tackling social service capacity issues will be essential if we are to ensure that future winters are not as difficult. But we also hope that the 10-year health plan and next year’s spending review will give the NHS the financial security it needs to undertake the big changes in care needed to achieve the Government’s ambitions. Providing more preventative care outside of hospital will be a key way to reduce pressure on ambulances and emergency departments.
The NHS is urging people to get vaccinated to limit the spread of flu, COVID and RSV.
Those over 65, pregnant women and people suffering from certain health problems are among those who can get a free flu vaccination in pharmacies.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, director of NHS England, said: “The tidal wave of cases of flu and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really worrying for patients and for the NHS – the figures are growing. add to our “quadremic” concerns.
He added: “With a week to book your vaccine, I can’t stress enough the importance of booking in to protect yourself against serious illness and avoid a ‘party flu’.
