There has been a surge in hospital admissions in England and according to new data the numbers have risen by 79%.
NHS England’s national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis warned that “these latest flu numbers show our fears of a ‘twindemic’ have been realised.”
In the seven days to 25 December the average number of those with flu was 3,746 in hospitals across England, up from 2,088 the previous week.
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NHS England’s national medical director is strongly urging those eligible to get vaccinated for both flu and Covid.
Sir Stephen added, “Sadly, these latest flu numbers show our fears of a ‘twindemic’ have been realised, with cases up seven-fold in just a month and the continued impact of Covid hitting staff hard, with related absences up almost 50% on the end of November.
“As well as flu, the NHS continues to be under significant pressure, with high bed occupancy, more than 12,000 beds taken up by patients medically fit for discharge, and demand for the 111 service remaining high, so please do make the most of 111 online, and only call 999 or visit A&E in an emergency.
Last week there were an average of 3,746 people a day in hospital with flu, compared with 2,088 the week before — up almost 80% in seven days.
It’s more important than ever to get protected. Visit https://t.co/abLVdGdpXr to get your free flu vaccine if you’re eligible. pic.twitter.com/rKxbGykC1Z
— NHS England (@NHSEngland) December 30, 2022
“It is clear this is no time to be complacent and the risk of serious illness is very real, so with nearly 350,000 available vaccination appointments next week it is important that everyone eligible comes forward and gets their Covid and flu jabs at the earliest opportunity.”
