NHS warns of early flu season as hospital admissions surge
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 09:44 · Archive
Hospital admissions for flu have reached unusually high levels for this time of year, prompting NHS warnings of winter pressures ahead.
England is facing an earlier-than-usual flu season, according to health officials. The NHS national medical director, Professor Frankie Swords, has warned of hospital admissions for flu at the highest level she can recall for this time of year, coinciding with early increases in Covid cases and following the busiest summer on record in emergency departments. She cautioned of "slightly ominous" early indicators of winter pressures building for the health service.
The latest UK Health Security Agency surveillance report shows that while flu levels remain relatively low at present, September's figures have exceeded those recorded during the same timeframe over the past four years. Nationally, flu swab positivity increased from 5.0% to 6.5% in the week ending 4 October, with hospital admissions reaching 1.97 per 100,000 people. In London, virus test positivity was 5.6% by the end of September, up from 2.5% at the end of August. The upward trend has been evident since August, driven primarily by cases among young adults.
Initial data indicates an even distribution of flu subtypes A(H3N2) and A(H1N1) across England. The flu vaccine offers protection against all three types of flu virus currently circulating. According to Professor Swords, 3.9 million people have already received their flu jab since the beginning of September.
How it is being reported
- London flu alert: 'Get jabs', say NHS chiefs as cases soar to 'ominous' autumn highHealth chief warns hospital admissions for flu are at ‘highest level’ she can recall for this time of yearEvening Standard · 9 Oct, 09:29
- Flu season 'could come early' NHS warns - Who can get flu jab nowThe NHS national medical director has warned of "slightly ominous" early signs of upcoming NHS winter pressuresMyLondon · 8 Oct, 16:33
In this story: NHS England · Frankie Swords · UK Health Security Agency · England · London
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