The NHS may be set to face its worst ever winter flu season as cases continue to soar. An average of 4,469 patients were in English hospitals with flu in the week ending Sunday December 29, according to the latest official figures.
It’s five-times as many cases as the same time last year when there were an average of 942 in hospital with flu, and is more than double the average at the same time in 2022 when there were 2,088 flu patients in hospital. A total of 4,102 people spent Christmas Day in hospital with flu this year, while the number of patients peaked on Sunday when there were 5,074.
NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services.
“Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come.
“Firstly, I’d like to thank NHS staff – despite huge demand, they continue to work tirelessly to keep patients safe and provide them with the best possible care. And secondly I would like to remind the public that community services like GPs and pharmacies are open as usual for help and advice today
“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.”
It comes as people living in Somerset are being told that choosing the right healthcare option for their condition will help the local NHS better manage the extreme pressure being felt by those on the frontline.
Since the start of the new year, all local health and care services, including the region’s three large hospitals, GP practices and ambulance crews, have seen a dramatic rise in demand. Rising numbers of flu cases are also continuing to cause problems.
Gill May, Chief Nurse, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said: “The first two weeks of any new year are always a very difficult time for the NHS, and the beginning of 2025 is no exception.
“Our teams on the frontline put in a stellar shift over the busy festive period, missing out on time with family and friends in order to provide care to others, and we now all need to get behind them and show our support in whatever way we can.
“Choosing right, by practising self-care, visiting a pharmacy or using NHS 111 online, not only allows our teams to focus on caring for those most in need, but also helps the individual to get any help needed much quicker.
“This is a challenging time for everyone involved in health and care, but I can honestly say that the support we get from our local communities really does help and really does make an enormous difference, especially now, which is when we need it most.”
Posting on Facebook, RUH Bath added: “Cases of flu and norovirus are increasing in our local community. There are steps we can all take to prevent the spread of infection.
To protect yourself and others please Consider getting a flu vaccine, if you’re eligible. Find out more on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/. Don’t come to visit someone in hospital if you’re unwell or still recovering from a bug. Pick up a face mask when you get to the hospital, if you would prefer to wear one. You’ll find them at our entrances. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, and use the hand gel available if you come in hospital.”
The seven conditions pharmacists can prescribe for are sinusitis, sore throats, earache, infected insect bites, impetigo, which is a contagion skin infection, shingles and urinary tract infections in women.
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