The United Kingdom and South Korea are grappling with significant surges in influenza cases, prompting health authorities to declare emergencies and recommend vaccines.
England has witnessed alarming hospitalization rates due to the flu, with 5,074 patients reported as of the end of December 2023. This marks an increase of 305 percent compared to the end of November and is up 352 percent from the same date last year, which saw 1,458 patients. This escalation is reminiscent of the flu crisis experienced the previous year when numbers peaked at 5,508 patients hospitalized by the end of December 2022.
With hospitals under immense pressure, eight facilities including University Hospitals Birmingham and Derriford Hospital have declared "critical incidents." These incidents result from sustained patient influxes, leading to waits of up to 50 hours.
According to recent NHS data, the number of flu patients hospitalized varies greatly by region. The North East and Yorkshire recorded the highest numbers, with 1,170 beds occupied by flu patients, including significant hospitalizations at trusts like University Hospitals Birmingham, which saw 336 cases. Alarmingly, only 13 percent of patients deemed fit for discharge were sent home, exacerbated by overflowing emergency departments.
"Despite expanded capacity, A&E remains overcrowded with extended waits to be seen," noted Margaret Garbett, the chief nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham. She urged the community to seek alternative care options when possible.
Across the North West, 628 flu patients filled hospital beds, predominantly from Manchester, whereas the East of England noted 527 hospitalizations. London was also impacted, with 530 flu patients recorded on December 29, 2023.
Meanwhile, the positive rate for influenza tests has surged by 66 percent since late November, with roughly 30.6 percent testing positive as of the week ending December 28, 2023. These numbers echo the levels seen during the 2022 flu season.
South Korea is also experiencing an influenza epidemic not seen since 2016. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reports up to 73.9 suspected cases of influenza per 1,000 outpatients for the last week of December, dramatically higher than the previous month (7.3 per 1,000). The increase is notable particularly among individuals under 18 years old.
"Flu is occurring prominently in people under the age of 18," said KCDC, adding the vaccination campaign focuses on high-risk groups including children, pregnant women, and the elderly. The national vaccination program is expected to run until April 30, 2024, and individuals can find providers through health service websites.
KCDC advocates vaccinations and provides recommendations for preventing respiratory infections, including proper hand hygiene, covering coughs, and maintaining indoor ventilation. Specific dietary suggestions were also made, highlighting foods like ginger, garlic, and bellflower to support immune health.
"Ginger has the effect of warming and energizing the body," KCDC emphasized, noting its health benefits are particularly relevant during flu season.
With flu cases soaring across both regions, public health officials stress the importance of vaccination and readiness to combat the virus. The combination of increased vigilance, healthcare accessibility, and community cooperation may be key to managing this winter's health crisis effectively.