Health experts are urging people not to mix with others at Christmas if they feel unwell as cases of flu and cold are on the rise. According to the latest NHS data hospital admissions for both Covid and flu continue to increase each week.
The rate of Covid-19 hospital admissions stood at 9.6 per 100,000 people last week, slightly above the equivalent rate for flu admissions, at 8.3 per 100,000. A total of 8,643 patients in hospital had tested positive for coronavirus on December 21, a rise of 29 per cent on the previous week.
Although those who test positive while in hospital are not necessarily admitted due to Covid, the cases put additional strain on hospital staff as they have to be isolated. This is on top of pressure from the spread of other winter infections.
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To help keep those who are vulnerable safe, health experts have warned people to avoid mixing with others if you are sick, in order to prevent infections from spreading. Eligible people are also encouraged to get their booster jab.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programmes at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “We are seeing a rise in cases and hospital admissions for both flu and Covid-19 as people continue to mix indoors this winter.
“Hospitalisation rates due to Covid-19 remain highest in those aged 65 and over, so it is vital that everyone who is eligible continues to come forward to accept their booster jab before the end of the year.
“Both Covid-19 and flu can cause severe illness or even death for those most vulnerable in our communities, and so it is also important to avoid contact with other people if you are unwell in order to help stop infections spreading over the Christmas and new year period.”
Flu cases have increased significantly this year, reaching pre-pandemic levels as people mix more socially. Flu admissions continue to be highest among over-85s, at 42.0 per 100,000 people, and children aged four and under, at 19.4 per 100,000, according to the latest data from the UKHSA.
Flu vaccines are available to those who are 50 and older, vulnerable or pregnant, as well as children aged two and three can receive a flu nasal spray vaccine which is offered at your GP. Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at the UKHSA said: “NHS services are already under pressure so it’s more important than ever to get protected with the flu vaccine and help keep yourself out of hospital.”
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