The NHS has warned that the number of people with flu in hospital in England has risen rapidly over the festive period and is a cause for “very concerning” alarm. Latest data shows that over 5,000 patients were diagnosed with the virus and admitted at the end of last week, which is a huge increase when compared to the same period in 2023. Although the figure is not as high as it was in 2022, medical experts have said that there is an enormous amount of avoidable harm and extra deaths that are putting pressure on emergency departments.
Flu, as well as other viruses such as Covid and norovirus, are responsible for the overcrowding in the hospitals, with Doctors saying it’s the “straw breaking the camel’s back.” The urgent care services have been affected, and pressure on hospitals has left them struggling to keep up with demand. Dr Adrian Boyle, head of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the pressures on emergency departments in hospitals were now unacceptable. He reiterated that too many avoidable deaths are happening as a result.
Hospitals are not just battling the flu virus; they are also struggling to cater for other winter viruses. England’s NHS and Scotland’s health service both reported large rises in the number of people in the hospital over the holidays. In response to the escalating situation, hospitals across the UK have taken some emergency measures, including the setting up of extra beds, wearing face masks and restricting visits.
Flu is a rapidly spreading virus that can lead to loss of life, especially to those who are at risk. Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, has advised people to try and keep warm and stock up on any required medication. Cold weather can be dangerous to vulnerable patients or those who have respiratory problems. All the UK care providers are doing their best to balance the rising influx of patients and the growing need for beds regularly while fighting winter viruses this season
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