The NHS is bracing for its worst ever winter crisis in the next fortnight as a worsening 'flu-nami' leaves hospitals, GP surgeries and ambulance services under intense strain. Hospital trusts are already treating record numbers of flu patients for this time of year, with an average of 2,660 people a day in hospital last week – a 55% increase on the previous week and the highest ever recorded in early December. The peak is not yet in sight, NHS leaders warned, urging people to get vaccinated.
A mutated and highly virulent H3N2 strain is driving the surge, which typically affects older adults more severely. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed that the flu vaccine this winter is effective at preventing severe disease, but uptake among at-risk groups remains worryingly low. Only 37.4% of under-65s with long-term health conditions, 35.6% of pregnant women, and under 42% of young children have been vaccinated, compared to 71.7% of over-65s.
The crisis is compounded by rising cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid, threatening to 'engulf hospitals' according to Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's joint medical director. Several hospital trusts have declared critical incidents, admitting they cannot cope with demand. Separately, the government and health secretary Wes Streeting have criticised the British Medical Association for calling a five-day strike by resident doctors starting next week, which NHS England chief Sir Jim Mackey described as 'cruel' and designed to 'cause mayhem'.
The UKHSA appealed for those who have not had a flu jab to get one promptly, warning that time is running out to be protected ahead of Christmas. Dr Conall Watson, a consultant epidemiologist, said there is still plenty of vaccine available but urged immediate action. Experts also advised measures such as masking, social distancing, and checking on vulnerable relatives to reduce transmission.
