What is the current flu hospitalization rate in the NHS?

An average of 3,140 people were hospitalized with flu daily last week, an all-time high for this time of year.

How are doctor strikes impacting the NHS during flu season?

Doctor strikes add to the strain on NHS resources already burdened by high flu admissions and other winter viruses.

Are other winter illnesses increasing alongside flu for the NHS?

Yes, hospital beds filled with patients showing norovirus-like symptoms have also increased by 21% recently.

Home / Health / NHS Overwhelmed: Flu Hospitalizations Hit Record High

NHS Overwhelmed: Flu Hospitalizations Hit Record High

18 Dec

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Summary

Daily flu hospitalizations reached an all-time yearly high of 3,140.
Critical care beds saw 128 flu patients, up from 106.
Norovirus-like illnesses also increased by 21%.

NHS Overwhelmed: Flu Hospitalizations Hit Record High

The National Health Service is facing unprecedented pressure as daily flu hospitalizations have surged to an all-time high for this period, averaging 3,140 patients last week. This marks an 18% increase from the previous week and significantly surpasses figures from last year. The rise in flu cases is placing the service on high alert, especially with resident doctors commencing a five-day strike over pay.

While flu cases show signs of slowing in some areas like the north-west of England, other regions, including the east and south-west, have seen substantial increases in hospital admissions. Prof Meghana Pandit, NHS England's national medical director, warned that despite localized improvements, the service is "nowhere near out of the woods." The situation is exacerbated by a consistent stream of winter viruses, leading to increased occupancy in critical care beds to 128 patients.