At least a dozen hospitals across England have declared critical incidents as a surge in flu admissions and respiratory illnesses places “exceptionally high demands” on the NHS. Hospitals in Birmingham, Cornwall, Hampshire, Liverpool, Northamptonshire and Plymouth are among those affected, with figures showing the number of people admitted to hospital with flu quadrupled last month.
Health experts point to schoolchildren as a key driver of the crisis. Children are known to be efficient transmitters of influenza, often spreading the virus before showing symptoms. This year, low vaccination uptake among school-age children has exacerbated the problem, leaving many unprotected and contributing to widespread community transmission.
The situation has been worsened by a combination of factors, including reduced immunity after two years of COVID-19 restrictions and the emergence of a flu strain that particularly affects younger age groups. NHS leaders warn that the current wave may be a sign of things to come, with the potential for similar pressures next winter if vaccination rates do not improve.
Critical incident declarations allow hospitals to prioritise resources and cancel non-urgent procedures to focus on emergency care. The NHS is urging parents to vaccinate their children against flu to help reduce the burden on health services and protect vulnerable patients.
