Public health officials in Nottinghamshire have issued important advice over concerns of the prospect of a 'twindemic' - a combination of flu and Covid-19 which could put pressure on the NHS this winter. According to the Office for National Statistics, an estimated 1.1million people in private households tested positive for Covid, which covered the seven days up to September 17 in England, and up to September 30 in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
This was the first time the UK-wide total has been above one million since late August. Hospital admissions with Covid are also on the rise. NHS bosses have warned this winter could be the first time the country sees the effects of Covid and flu in full circulation.
Health experts have said the UK must prepare for a big, early wave of flu - based on what Australia has experienced during its winter. Some southern hemisphere countries have experienced their toughest flu season in years.
A public health spokesperson for Nottinghamshire County Council encouraged people to get their latest Covid booster vaccine, which is available to groups such as over 50s and those at-risk or living with people at risk. Flu jabs are also on offer to people aged 50 to 64
"Public health experts fear that there will be higher levels of flu this winter, with more of the population susceptible given the low levels in the last two years," the spokesperson said. "So it’s more important than ever to get your winter vaccines to protect you, your family and those you come into contact with."
Amanda Sullivan, chief executive of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said a spike in the number of Covid patients had been a contributory factor in the healthcare systems decision to declare a critical incident last week. She cited the fact that 243 people were in hospital with the virus on Wednesday, September 28.
"Having more people with Covid does impact the way hospitals can operate," Ms Sullivan told Nottinghamshire Live. The increasing number of infections, coupled with an expected spread of flu in the winter, has led public officials to issue the latest advice.
Lucy Hubber, director of public health at Nottingham City Council, added: “We are seeing Covid cases start to increase nationally, including hospital admissions, which highlights again that people in Nottingham should take sensible precautions to protect themselves, their family, friends, colleagues and the wider community.
“Anyone with respiratory symptoms like a cough, runny nose, sneezing or a fever should do everything they can avoid spreading the infection. Things like covering the mouth when coughing, sneezing into a tissue and throwing it away, plus washing hands regularly.
"For those who can, working from home is another effective way to protect others while infectious. Choosing to wear a face covering in crowded or indoor spaces remains an option for people, too, but is no longer a requirement.”
Government data - based on reports of confirmed positive cases - shows Beechdale is the worst affected area by Covid in Nottingham with a total of nine cases in the seven days leading up to September 24. It has a case rate of 138.6 per 100,000 people. Sherwood Vale (103.0 per 100,000) and The Meadows (101.7) make up the top three.
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