There are more than a hundred people with coronavirus currently in hospital in Bristol, according to the latest data from the government. The figures come after the UK Health and Secruity Agency reported that hospital admission rates for covid are highest in the South West, with a rate of 15.96 per 100,000 population.
The government data shows that, as of Wednesday, October 19, there were 62 patients with the virus in hospital at the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW). One of those patients was in a ventilation bed.
In comparison, North Bristol NHS Trust had 42 patients admitted with the virus on Wednesday, October 19. Of those, one was in a ventilation bed.
Read next: Covid patients still above 100 in Bristol as 80,000 catch virus in region in a week
The latest data from Bristol City Council states that covid cases are rising in the area. It says: "The number of covid cases in England and the South West continues to increase.
"Nationally 1 in 36 people are estimated to have had COVID-19 in the week ending 2 October, regionally in the South West this is 1 in 32. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) only release estimates of local number of COVID-19 cases once a month. The latest was released this week.
"Bristol, BANES and North Somerset estimate for the week ending 2 October is 1 in 34."
The council data states that 2 people have died with COVID-19 in Bristol in the last four weeks, which is one per cent of all deaths in the period. At the same time, UKHSA reports that the flu season has started earlier this year.
It says on their website: "Cases of flu have climbed quickly in the past week, indicating that the season has begun earlier than normal. We are seeing hospitalisations and ICU admissions rising the fastest in children under 5.
"Vaccination for flu is currently behind last season for pre-schoolers (12.1% in all 2 year olds and 12.8% in all 3 year olds) and pregnant women (12.4%) and under 65 in a clinical risk group (18.2%). This is compared to 17.4% in 2 year olds, 18.6% in 3 year olds, 15.7% in pregnant women and 20.7% in under 65s and in clinical risk groups last year."
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "Our latest data shows early signs of the anticipated threat we expected to face from flu this season.
"We’re urging parents in particular not to be caught out as rates of hospitalisations and ICU admissions are currently rising fastest in children under 5. This will be a concern for many parents and carers of young children, and we urge them to take up the offer of vaccination for eligible children as soon as possible.
"It’s possible that we’re already seeing the benefits from so many people taking up their COVID-19 autumn booster in England. Encouragingly, the latest data shows a small decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisation rates over the past week.
"There’s no room for complacency though, as cases could rise again at any point and we need to be armed in readiness through vaccination of everyone who’s eligible. Don’t delay; please come forward for both COVID-19 and flu vaccinations as soon as you’re offered them.
"Vaccines remain our best protection against severe disease and hospitalisation this winter but it’s also vital that we all remain cautious as we head into winter when people tend to mix more indoors and the risk increases. If you are feeling unwell, avoid contact with elderly people or those with underlying health conditions."
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