The flu has resurged following the spread of infections during Christmas and New Year gatherings. NHS leaders have noted a rise in flu-related hospitalizations, marking a 9% increase in England last week. Concerns are growing about a potential “double peak” and prolonged flu season, especially as children return to school post-festive break, potentially leading to more infections.
NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit emphasized that the NHS is facing ongoing challenges this winter, with hospitals seeing a surge in flu and respiratory virus cases. The cold weather has also resulted in an increase in vulnerable patients with respiratory issues at A&E, along with more injuries from icy conditions.
The new ‘superflu’ strain, H3N2, has triggered an early flu spike, leaving experts uncertain about whether it will peak early and decline or persist at heightened levels for an extended period. Some hospitals have enforced the use of face masks to curb transmission, while others have faced critical incidents due to high A&E attendance numbers in December.
Flu hospitalizations appeared to peak in mid-December, dropping during the Christmas week but rising again last week. This suggests that social mixing during the festive season has contributed to a surge in flu and other seasonal illnesses.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting cautioned that despite improved NHS readiness compared to the previous year, the current cold spell is straining frontline services. Vaccination remains crucial for protection against flu, particularly for vulnerable groups. Streeting urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly to reduce hospital admissions and support healthcare workers during the challenging winter period.
The number of flu patients hospitalized is at its highest level for this time of year since records began in 2021, with weekly flu numbers peaking at 5,441 this winter, surpassing last year’s figures. In Australia, where flu data often predicts severity, infection rates reached a decade-high during their winter season.
Prof Pandit reiterated the importance of seeking timely care and getting vaccinated to combat flu. NHS teams are working diligently to provide necessary care, and opportunities for vaccination remain widely available to safeguard against flu.
