Why are NHS hospitals still under strain despite fewer flu cases?

Hospitals remain busy due to high bed occupancy, the continued spread of other seasonal bugs, and cold weather, even as flu cases stabilize.

How has vaccination affected the NHS winter pressure?

Increased flu vaccinations, with nearly 18.5 million people receiving jabs, have helped ease some of the pressure on NHS services.

What is the NHS advising the public to do this winter?

The NHS advises using 999 and A&E only for life-threatening emergencies and opting for NHS 111 or 111 online for other conditions.

Home / Health / NHS Under Strain as Flu Cases Stabilize

NHS Under Strain as Flu Cases Stabilize

1 Jan

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Summary

NHS hospitals face significant strain with high bed occupancy.
Flu cases stabilized, but other seasonal bugs persist.
Increased flu vaccinations helped ease pressure on the NHS.

The NHS has issued a critical warning about ongoing strain on hospitals, even as data indicates a stabilization in flu cases. This follows a period where influenza rates exceeded normal levels, significantly impacting hospital and ambulance services.

Official figures from the week before Christmas showed over 3,000 hospital admissions for influenza. Despite a slight decrease from the previous week, approximately 95% of adult beds remain occupied. This situation is exacerbated by cold weather warnings across England and the continued spread of other seasonal illnesses, including COVID-19 and norovirus.

Efforts such as increased flu vaccination, with nearly 18.5 million people vaccinated, have been credited with helping to manage the situation. However, health officials emphasize that the danger is not over, and the public is reminded to use emergency services judiciously, reserving 999 and A&E for life-threatening emergencies.