NHS issues major ‘super flu’ update after H3N2 strain surge in England

Over 3,000 flu patients remain hospitalised as doctors warn the NHS is ‘not out of danger yet’ with winter viruses despite slight fall in cases as we head into the Near Year

The NHS has released an update on the impact of winter viruses on hospitals this season.

Although recent figures indicate a slight decrease in hospital cases in England, doctors have cautioned that the NHS is ‘not out of danger yet’, with winter viruses still prevalent and amber cold weather alerts expected to put further pressure on hospitals.

This year’s flu season commenced a month earlier than usual, while a variant of influenza A(H3N2), also known as subclade K, is currently the predominant strain in England, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Newly published data reveals that over 3,000 flu cases were admitted to hospitals in the week leading up to Christmas, marking a minor drop from the previous week, but nonetheless leaving hospitals heavily burdened.

Approximately 95% of adult beds were occupied, with an average of 94,118 patients in hospital each day. NHS England commended its staff for increasing the number of flu vaccinations, with half a million more people vaccinated compared to the same period last year, reports the Mirror.

Other winter viruses continue to exert strain on the health service, with an average of 707 patients hospitalised with Covid, while last week saw an average of 285 daily hospital admissions due to norovirus.

England’s chief medic cautioned that the NHS is “not out of danger yet”, noting that fresh amber health alerts issued by UKHSA will pile additional strain on hospitals.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “I want to thank NHS staff who continue to deliver care under extraordinary pressure, and the public who have come forward to get their flu jab which is helping protect the public and ease pressure on hospitals.

“While there are signs of improvement and the NHS is in calmer waters, pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high and we’re not out of danger yet with temperatures set to drop in the coming days.

“As the incredibly busy winter continues and hospitals clearly experience intense pressure, please do continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions. If you haven’t had your flu jab yet and are eligible, please come forward – it’s not too late.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said: “This year we planned earlier than ever for winter, and that preparation is paying off. By modernising the NHS – with strong clinical leadership, embracing digital tools and putting more power in the hands of local leaders – ambulance handover times are down on last year and more patients are getting the care they need, when they need it.

“Alongside this, we have delivered more than half a million more flu jabs this year compared to the last – but we are not out of the woods yet, with flu continuing to be a challenge.

“NHS staff at every level are working extremely hard to deliver the best care possible in the face of ongoing pressures. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to patients have been evident throughout the Christmas period. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help keep the show on the road during a very challenging winter.”

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