'Cases are incredibly high': Warning to patients over winter 'flu-demic' with cases yet to hit their peak
Experts warn we are heading for an ‘unprecedented flu wave’ 🤧
- The UK is facing a ‘flu-demic’ this winter.
- Cases of the flu have not yet reached their peak.
- Latest figures found there are 50% more cases compared to the same week last year.
- Those eligible are being urged to get vaccinated.
Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to come forward, as the UK prepares itself for a “flu-demic” this winter.
The flu season started unusually early, thought to be caused by the emergence of a new flu strain, H3N2, which evolved after this year’s flu vaccine was developed.
The latest figures show we are heading for an “unprecedented flu wave”. An average of 1,717 patients were in a hospital bed every day last week with flu, the highest on record for this time of year. Whilst cases were more than 50% higher than the same week last year.
The NHS is warning there is no sign of cases peaking yet, which is worrying health professionals as we head into the busy Christmas period.
National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, Prof Julian Redhead, said: “Today’s numbers confirm our deepest concerns: the health service is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter. Cases are incredibly high for this time of year, and there is no peak in sight yet.
“The NHS has prepared earlier for winter than ever before, but despite that we know that ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes may stretch our staff close to breaking point in the coming weeks.
“There have never been more ways for people can get the care they need, so for non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place.
“As always, use A&E & 999 for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries, and with just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I urge anyone eligible to come forward to get their jab.”
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Signs you have the flu can include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a hoarse voice, a cough or feeling tired. Additional symptoms can include a headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, tummy pain or feeling sick and being sick.
Does the flu jab stop you from getting the flu?
The flu vaccine is the best form of defence against becoming seriously ill from the flu, with almost 17 million flu jabs given in the UK so far this winter.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist for Immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Whatever strains do circulate here this winter, we can be confident that the vaccine will still help to protect those most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalised. We strongly encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible – it remains our best defence against serious illness.”
The flu season has still not reached its peak. You can find out more about symptoms and who is eligible for the flu vaccine at NHS.UK.