'Tidal wave' of 'festive flu' infections sees 70% jump in hospital cases
WATCH: Outbreak of bird flu hits Yorkshire
GB News
NHS bosses have issued an urgent warning as flu hospital admissions have surged by a staggering 70 per cent in just one week - creating what they describe as a "tidal wave" hitting hospitals across the country.
The dramatic increase has prompted health officials to make an appeal for eligible individuals to get vaccinated before the festive season begins.
The NHS is particularly concerned about the mounting pressure from what they term a "quad-demic" - the combined impact of flu, COVID-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Daily flu hospital admissions reached an average of 1,861 patients last week, marking a sharp increase from 1,099 the previous week.
NHS bosses have issued an urgent warning as flu hospital admissions have surged by a staggering 70 per cent in just one week - creating what they describe as a 'tidal wave' hitting hospitals across the country (stock image)
Getty
These concerning figures represent a level 3.5 times higher than the same period last year.
Health officials emphasise that it takes approximately two weeks for vaccination protection to fully develop, making immediate action crucial for those planning family gatherings during the festive period.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said: "The tidal wave of flu cases and other seasonal viruses hitting hospitals is really concerning for patients and for the NHS – the figures are adding to our 'quad-demic' worries."
He added: "While the NHS has plans in place to manage additional demand over the busy winter period, with one week left to book your vaccine, I cannot stress enough the importance of getting booked in to protect yourself against serious illness and to avoid 'festive flu'."
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The quad-demic concerns are further heightened by rising cases of norovirus, which saw a 10 per cent increase from last week and a dramatic 64 per cent rise compared to last year.
An average of 837 hospital beds in England were occupied daily by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up from 756 the previous week.
RSV cases are also mounting, with 152 children hospitalised daily - marking an increase of over two-fifths compared to the same period last year when 107 children were affected.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted ongoing NHS improvements. He said: "Since the general election, we have been ramping up to delivering the extra two million appointments a year, ending the strikes, and investing more in the health service."
The dramatic increase has prompted health officials to make an appeal for eligible individuals to get vaccinated before the festive season begins (stock image)
GettyHe noted that while waiting lists have begun to fall and the NHS is delivering record treatments, there is still progress to be made.
"With A&Es facing record demand, we are continuing to encourage people to protect themselves, their family, and the NHS by getting vaccinated before it's too late," Streeting added.
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