The number of flu cases has soared across England, with 5,074 patients with the virus being treated in hospitals at the end of December. This marks an increase of 305 percent from the end of November and is up by 352 percent from the same day last year, when there were 1,458 patients. Data reveals this year's numbers are reminiscent of the flu crisis of 2022, which saw 5,508 patients hospitalized with flu at the end of December.
Eight hospitals across the country have declared "critical incidents" as they experience sustained pressures, leading to waits of up to 50 hours for care. The highest alert was issued by University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust’s four hospitals: Queen Elizabeth, Solihull, Good Hope, and Heartlands. Other affected hospitals include Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, Royal Liverpool Hospital, and Basingstoke and Winchester Hospitals.
The latest statistics demonstrate considerable regional variation, with the North East and Yorkshire showing the highest number of flu cases. On December 29, 1,170 beds were occupied by influenza patients. NHS trusts particularly affected include those in Sheffield, Northumbria, Tyneside, and Hull, collectively experiencing 444 hospitalizations. Birmingham hospitals reported consistently high numbers since the start of winter, with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust recording 336 influenza patients, 13 of whom were in intensive care.
Despite the surge in cases, only 13 percent of patients deemed fit for discharge have actually been sent home. The Midlands followed closely with the second highest number of cases, then the South East, where Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust declared a crisis on Tuesday amid full capacities and high emergency department attendance.
"Beds across both hospitals are full, and attendance at our emergency departments is extremely high, which means there is currently no capacity to admit additional patients needing our care," said a spokesperson from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The North West has seen 628 flu hospitalizations, primarily in Manchester, with 527 patients recorded in the East of England, especially Essex. London hospitals reported 530 flu patients on December 29, contributing to the overall statistic of positive flu tests jumping by 66 percent from the end of November.
Among tests conducted, one out of three (30.6 percent) returned positive for influenza during the week ending December 28. This aligns with the flu levels noted during last year's outbreak and significantly surpasses those seen earlier this year.
Turning to another region, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported alarming increases in influenza cases, with the average number of suspected cases rising to the highest levels observed since 2016. For the week of December 22-28, 73.9 people per 1,000 outpatients were suspected of having influenza—over ten times greater than the preceding week.
The KCDC highlighted rising incidences particularly among younger demographics, with the highest rates reported among individuals aged 13 to 18, reaching 151.3 per 1,000. Despite the recent surge affecting all age groups, the elderly exhibited the lowest incidence rate at 20.3 per 1,000.
Health experts warn of the flu's persistence, predicting the epidemic will extend until spring. Vaccination has been heavily recommended for children, pregnant women, and the elderly, with the national vaccination campaign scheduled for rollout by April 30, 2024. Those who haven't yet been vaccinated can visit designated medical institutions to receive the vaccine.
Preventative measures, including washing hands regularly, practicing cough etiquette, and wearing masks, remain pivotal. Nutritional strategies are highlighted, such as consuming ginger, garlic, and bellflower to bolster immunity. Ginger aids body warmth and energy, garlic strengthens the immune system, and bellflower protects lung function and alleviates sore throats.
Margaret Garbett, chief nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham, noted the gravity of the situation, stating, "Despite the expanded capacity in our wards and emergency departments, A&E remains overcrowded with extended waits to be seen." She urged the community to access healthcare judiciously, recommending alternatives for non-emergency medical needs.
Although hospitals across the UK continue to grapple with mounting pressures, the developments observed highlight the seriousness of the influenza threat. The combined pressures from rising cases, extended waiting times, and overburdened facilities necessitate prompt action and vigilance from the public and health services alike. Only through concerted efforts can regions effectively manage the current health crisis.