New statistics show the NHS faces another winter flu crisis.
Person wearing mask (Image: Getty)
The NHS has warned of a “worst case scenario” as the spread of a “superflu” sends hospital admissions soaring. NHS England released its updated flu and hospital figures on Thursday, revealing that there are currently enough flu patients each day “to fill more than three whole hospital trusts”.
In just one week, flu hospitalisations shot up by 55% to an average of 2,660 patients – the highest ever figure for this time of year. At this point in 2024, the number was 1,861, and 402 in 2023. Last winter, weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients – still a slight decrease from 5,441 in the winter of 2022/23.
Eligible people have been urged to get the flu jab. (Image: Getty)
Ther were also 106 flu patients in critical care beds in England last week, an increase from 69 the week before and a record number for this time of year.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, warned that the “superflu” is only exacerbating the pressure hospitals already face during “record demand for A&E and ambulances”.
She said: “With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.
“The numbers of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year.”
Anyone who is eligible for a flu vaccine on the NHS has been urged to get one to mitigate the spread and protect those who are vulnerable.
Professor Pandit added: “NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate more people than last year, and with just a week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible.
“Vaccination is the best protection against getting potentially very ill and it also helps protect those around you.”
