The flu has resurged following the spread of infections during holiday gatherings at Christmas and New Year’s. NHS leaders have noted an increase in flu-related hospitalizations, rising by 9% in England last week after a decline in the preceding two weeks. Concerns are raised about a potential “double peak” and an extended flu season, coinciding with the return of children to school post-festive break, likely leading to more infections.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, emphasized that the NHS is still facing challenges this winter, with hospitals seeing a rise in flu and other respiratory virus cases. The cold weather has also brought in more patients with respiratory issues and injuries from slips and falls due to icy conditions, making it a busy period for healthcare services.
The emergence of the new H3N2 strain, known as the ‘superflu,’ has triggered an early surge in flu cases, with uncertainty whether it will peak early and decline or persist at high levels for an extended period. Some hospitals have implemented measures like requiring face masks to reduce transmission, while others have faced critical incidents due to high A&E attendance in December.
Flu hospitalizations seemed to peak in mid-December but have risen again, suggesting that social mixing over the festive season contributed to the spike in flu and seasonal illnesses. Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated against flu promptly to prevent serious complications and reduce the strain on healthcare services during the challenging winter weeks.
The current number of flu patients in hospitals is at its highest level for this time of year since records began in 2021. Data from Australia’s flu season, which often indicates the severity of flu outbreaks in other countries, showed the highest infection rates in over a decade during their winter.
Professor Pandit highlighted the dedication of healthcare staff in providing care amidst the ongoing challenges and emphasized the importance of seeking care as usual and getting vaccinated against flu for protection.