Flu Season: New data from the NHS shows rapid rise in flu cases across the UK, whilst across the world, china continues its battle against human metapneumovirus virus
Over 5,000 patients have been hospitalised with the flu in the last week, showing a sharp increase adding extra strain to UK hospitals.
Flu season adding continued stress on hospitals
In the week leading up to New Year’s Eve, an average of 4,469 patients with flu were in hospital each day, nearly 3.5 times the number recorded in 2023.
The number of critically ill patients has also increased, with 211 a day now in critical care.
The flu-related hospitalisations, steadily rising throughout December, saw a particularly sharp increase between Christmas and New Year’s.
On Christmas Day, 4,102 patients were in hospital with flu, but this figure jumped to 5,074 by Sunday, December 29. The total number of flu hospitalisations has now quadrupled in just one month, from 1,190 on November 29 to over 5,000 by the end of December.
The ongoing effect of COVID-19
Adding to the pressure, other respiratory viruses like norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also contribute to hospital strain.
Norovirus hospital cases are still 40% higher than last year, and RSV infections particularly impact young children. More than 70 children were in hospital each day last week due to RSV, which is up nearly 50% from last year. Meanwhile, Covid-19 continues to affect patients, with over 1,100 beds occupied by Covid patients each day.
To manage the surge in demand, the NHS has increased capacity, opening 1,301 additional beds compared to last year.
Despite this, hospitals are still facing significant challenges. Many patients have been discharged to free up space for those with more urgent needs, with over 15,000 patients discharged on Christmas Eve alone, a 40% increase compared to the week before.
Ambulances have been under immense pressure, with over 98,000 handovers to hospitals last week, and NHS 111 services received more than 465,000 calls.
NHS staff have been working to manage the situation, with the NHS clinical director for urgent care warning that the flu season is showing no signs of slowing down.
Hospitals are particularly concerned as the cold weather continues, and vulnerable individuals are at continued risk.
The NHS has been working to help prevent further infections, including offering flu and Covid vaccines to those at risk. While the national vaccination booking system has now closed, eligible individuals can still receive their flu vaccine by visiting walk-in clinics or local pharmacies.
China and the Human metapneumovirus virus
Other countries are also facing similar challenges. In China, a surge in cases of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), a flu-like virus, has been making headlines. Although HMPV is not a new virus, with most children exposed, the seasonal increase in cases has raised concern.
HMPV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, but in very young children or those with weakened immune systems, it can lead to more severe respiratory illness, requiring hospitalisation.
Despite the rising cases, health experts emphasise that HMPV is not a cause for panic. Unlike COVID-19, which is caused by a novel virus, HMPV has been around for decades, and most people have some level of immunity.
The current spike is considered a seasonal pattern in many northern hemisphere countries, including the UK and the US.
As winter continues and the flu season intensifies, health officials urge people to take basic precautions to protect themselves. These include washing hands frequently, avoiding crowded places when possible, and wearing a mask if you’re at higher risk of severe illness.
Those at risk of respiratory infections are lso advised to stay warm and be stocked with necessary medications.
