Hospital flu cases drop as NHS on cold weather alert

The number of hospital admissions due to flu in England has recently decreased, providing some relief to the NHS amid its usual January surge. Last week, 2,676 patients were reported to be in hospital with the flu, a decline from over 3,000 the previous week. Despite this improvement, NHS leaders are cautioning that the current cold weather could place extra strain on healthcare services in the near future.

Cold health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are in place across England from 8 pm on Friday until 10 am on 9 January. These amber alerts warn of potential increased demand for medical services, difficulties in maintaining adequate hospital temperatures, and staffing challenges caused by factors such as travel disruptions. NHS England’s medical director, Prof Meghana Pandit, commented on the situation, saying, “It is welcome news to see a drop in the number of people being admitted to hospital with flu, thanks in part to the extraordinary efforts of NHS staff with more than half a million more people vaccinated against flu compared to the same period last year.”

Still, Prof Pandit emphasized that the NHS remains vigilant as temperatures fall, noting the impact of cold weather on healthcare demand. She highlighted the high usage of NHS 111 services, which recorded their second busiest day in two years on Saturday, and urged the public to reserve emergency resources for life-threatening situations. “It’s vital that the public please continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions,” she added.

The downward trend in flu cases was anticipated, following data from before Christmas indicating a reduction in flu circulating within communities, a pattern also observed throughout the UK. Earlier in the season, the NHS had warned of potentially record hospitalizations due to a mutated strain of the virus. Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged some positive signs, including lower hospital bed occupancy and fewer ambulance delays compared to last year. However, he underscored the ongoing pressures on the health service and stressed the importance of flu vaccinations during the cold spell. “We still face intense pressures and with this bitingly cold snap adding additional challenges it is more vital than ever those eligible get their flu jab and people only attend A&E in an emergency,” he stated

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More