NHS Urges Flu Vaccination As They Face 'Worst Case Scenario'

NHS bosses have warned of a “worst-case scenario” as flu cases soar. 

In a press release, the health service shared that an average of 2,660 patients were in a hospital bed with flu last week. 

That is the “highest ever” for this time of year, and is up a remarkable 55% from the week before. 

Meanwhile, norovirus patients in hospital beds rose by 35%.

“The NHS is urging anyone eligible to get their flu vaccination to help prevent them getting seriously ill,” the NHS statement reads. 

This includes those over 65, people with long-term health conditions, pregnant people, those in care homes, carers for older or immunocompromised people, frontline health and social care workers, and those who live with a person who has a weakened immune system. 

The advice comes even as over 170,000 more flu vaccines have been administered this year than last. 

Why is the flu affecting the NHS so badly this year? 

“With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients,” Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said.

“Super flu” can refer either to the influenza H3N2 strain, for which many patients have lost immunity in recent years and which is rife at the moment, or multiple infections occurring at once.

The NHS is also facing five days of proposed industrial action from resident doctors starting 7am on Wednesday, 17 December. 

“The number of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year,” Professor Pandit continued.

“Even worse, it continues to rise, and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.

“NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to vaccinate more people than last year, and with just a week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, I would urge anyone eligible for the vaccine to please book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible.” 

This, she says, is the best way to lower the odds of a flu case becoming very serious, and also helps to protect those around you. 

Wes Streeting warned of “a tidal wave of flu” 

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, has said: “There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals.

“We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible, including already getting over 17 million patients vaccinated, 170,000 more than this time last year, with over 60,000 more NHS staff also getting their jab.” 

His comments come after NHS waitlist figures rose by 6,002 to 7.4 million in October, the NHS statement reads, though they add this is “significantly lower than a year ago”.

“We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E,” Professor Pandit ended.

“For non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place, and use A&E and 999 for life-threatening conditions and serious injuries.”