The NHS is bracing for its worst winter crisis in the next fortnight as a 'flu-nami' surges, with record numbers of flu patients already in hospital. Health bosses are urging pregnant women and other at-risk groups to get vaccinated immediately to protect themselves and reduce strain on services.
NHS England data shows an average of 2,660 people a day were hospitalised with flu last week, a 55% increase on the previous week, including 106 in intensive care. The UK Health Security Agency warns that a drifted H3N2 strain is circulating, which affects older adults more severely, but also poses risks to pregnant women and young children.
Vaccine uptake among pregnant women is alarmingly low at only 35.6%, compared to 71.7% in over-65s. Just 37.4% of under-65s with long-term health conditions have been vaccinated, along with 41.5% of two-year-olds and 42.3% of three-year-olds.
Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: 'There is still plenty of flu vaccine available to protect those who need it. What’s running out is time to be protected ahead of Christmas.' He stressed that the vaccine is effective against severe disease despite the drifted strain.
Health officials are also concerned about the impact of a five-day strike by resident doctors starting next Wednesday, which NHS England chief Sir Jim Mackey called 'cruel' and 'calculated'. The government has made an improved offer to try to avert the strike, but it may go ahead, adding to pressures on an already stretched system.
