Surveillance programs indicate that flu hospital admissions in England have surpassed last year's peak, reaching their highest level this winter. Almost 3,000 patients have been hospitalized with flu, with over 150 in critical care. Experts warn that the 'quad-demic' of flu, Covid, norovirus, and RSV is putting a strain on the health service and that the worst is yet to come.
READ MORE:The UK is on track to face the worst year ever for flu amid spiralling infections, the country's top doctor warned today.
A 'quad-demic' of four winter illnesses — flu, Covid, norovirus and cold-like respiratory syncytial virus — is also continuing to pile pressure on a stretched health service, he added. NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said the worst of Britain's tidal flu wave is still 'yet to come'
'Anyone who needs medical support should continue to use services as normal — 999 and A&E only in an emergency, and for other urgent health needs, use NHS 111 or 111 online.' Some hospitals have begun to limit visiting hours and have imposed mask mandates over fears of rising 'quad-demic' cases. On Saturday, NHS Dumfries and Galloway also introduced temporary restrictions to visiting due a 'high volume of respiratory illness' in the community.
Public health specialists say those with even mild cold symptoms should consider self-isolating as they may unknowingly have the virus which can be fatal to older people.
Flu Healthcare NHS Infections UK
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NHS Faces 'Worst Ever' Winter Flu SeasonEngland's top doctor warns of a potentially catastrophic winter flu season, placing immense strain on the NHS due to early onset, high infection rates, and limited vaccine uptake.
Read more »
Cases of winter flu 'rising rapidly' with school-aged children worst affectedFlu is one of the illnesses circulating in the UK that have been dubbed the 'quad-demic'. England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty is urging those eligible to get vaccinated.
Read more »
More than 350% rise in people hospitalised with flu - as NHS faces 'quad-demic'New weekly figures show the NHS is going into the winter under significant pressure - more than a thousand beds were occupied every day last week with adults suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting bugs, and norovirus
Read more »
NHS Faces 'Quad-Demic' with Rising Cases of Flu, Covid, Norovirus, and RSVThe NHS is experiencing a quadruple epidemic of rising cases of flu, COVID, norovirus, and RSV, leading to unprecedented levels of patient wait times and hospital stress. The situation is so severe that doctors warn the NHS will fail to meet its target of reducing waiting times for routine treatment unless emergency care issues are addressed.
Read more »
UK Faces Early 'Tidal Wave' of Festive Flu, Hospitals OverwhelmedFlu hospital admissions in England have surpassed last year's peak and are at their highest level this winter, according to surveillance programs. More than 2,500 beds are occupied by flu patients, a nearly 50% increase from the previous week. Norovirus rates are also significantly higher than expected. Health officials warn of escalating outbreaks due to increased indoor socializing during the holidays, urging people with flu-like symptoms to limit contact with vulnerable groups. This comes as experts predict a 'quad-demic' fueled by flu, COVID, norovirus, and RSV.
Read more »
Scotland Faces Flu Surge: Hospitalizations Rise SharplyScotland is experiencing a significant increase in flu cases, leading to a surge in hospitalizations. Public health officials are urging those eligible for vaccination to get protected.
Read more »