What is the impact of the flu outbreak on Birmingham's healthcare system?

The article notes that even a small rise in flu cases can add significant pressure on the already strained healthcare system, and that 7 flu patients are currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, which is unusually high for this time of year.

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Birmingham Hospitals Brace for Flu Surge Ahead of Winter

Q: What is the current situation with flu admissions in Birmingham hospitals?

According to the article, University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) currently has 115 in-patients with the flu, with an additional 85 patients suffering from other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, and parainfluenza, bringing the total to 200.

Q: How does the current flu situation in Birmingham compare to the usual timeline?

Prof. Kiran Patel, the chief medical officer for UHB, states that the hospital typically does not see such high flu patient numbers until around Christmas, indicating that the current surge is occurring earlier than expected.

13 Nov

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Summary

115 flu patients in University Hospitals Birmingham
200 patients with respiratory illnesses like COVID, RSV
7 flu patients in intensive care, earlier than usual

Birmingham Hospitals Brace for Flu Surge Ahead of Winter

As of November 13th, 2025, Birmingham hospitals are grappling with a surge in flu admissions, a concerning trend that has set in earlier than usual. According to Prof. Kiran Patel, the chief medical officer for University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), the hospital currently has 115 in-patients with the flu, with an additional 85 patients suffering from other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, RSV, and parainfluenza, bringing the total to 200.

The situation is particularly worrying, as Patel notes that the hospital typically does not see such high flu patient numbers until around Christmas. Furthermore, 7 flu patients are currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, a figure that is unusually high for this time of year.

Experts warn that even a small rise in flu cases can add significant pressure on the already strained healthcare system. Patel emphasizes that the NHS is urging people to get vaccinated as winter approaches, in an effort to mitigate the impact of the flu outbreak.

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