Flu hospitalizations have surged significantly compared to two years ago, indicating a potentially severe flu season in the UK. A new strain of flu, H3N2, is causing more severe illness, particularly impacting even healthy individuals. The number of flu patients hospitalized in England has increased by over 50% compared to the same period in 2024, as per the latest NHS winter reports.
On average, 1,717 flu patients were admitted to hospitals in England per day last week, with 69 requiring critical care, marking a record high for this time of year. This represents a 56% rise from the corresponding week in 2024, which had 1,098 patients, including 39 in critical care. The current figures are ten times higher than those in 2023 and 2022.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England’s Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, expressed deep concerns about the unprecedented flu wave expected this winter. The NHS is on high alert as the flu cases continue to rise, potentially straining healthcare staff amid ongoing strikes.
The NHS has released its initial weekly hospital performance review for this winter, revealing that more patients may spend Christmas in hospital due to the strike action by doctors. The Health Secretary emphasized the challenges faced by the NHS during winter but highlighted progress in ambulance response times compared to the previous year.
The UK Health Security Agency’s estimates indicate a significant rise in flu-related deaths in England last winter compared to the previous year. The agency has already administered nearly 17 million flu vaccines this year, with a focus on encouraging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated before the holiday season.
The ongoing flu season has been exacerbated by the H3N2 strain, which has evolved to evade previous vaccine immunity, resulting in increased infections. Despite the challenges, flu vaccinations still offer substantial protection against the virus. The BMA strike action, in addition to demands for higher pay, aims to address training issues affecting doctors’ employment opportunities.
The BMA has criticized the government for failing to address the healthcare crisis effectively, emphasizing the need for more doctors on the frontline to alleviate winter pressures. The strike action coinciding with the festive season raises concerns about patient care and highlights the growing strain on the healthcare system.
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