Flu hospitalisations in England have soared in recent weeks. The number of people being admitted for flu has risen more than 40% in a week, with NHS bosses braced for an outbreak.
According to analysis by The Telegraph, the rates are eight times higher than what is normally expected this time of year. And on the current trajectory, admissions next week could surpass those in 2017-18, which was considered one of the worst flu seasons for two decades.
During that period, nearly 30,000 people are said to have died. It is thought flu hospitalisations have now overtaken those for Covid for the first time since the pandemic began.
Data shows there are now 6.76 per 100,000 people in England with flu, compared with 6.61 per 100,000 for Covid. The number of flu patients increased from 966 to 1,377 in the past week – substantially above the 22 recorded this time last year.
It comes as the NHS battles against long waiting lists post-Covid and the emergence of a Strep A outbreak. So far 16 children have died after contracting Strep A with doctors discussing whether to give out preventative medicines to youngsters and the over 75s.
Dr Conall Watson, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), told The Telegraph: “Flu is now circulating widely and we have seen a sharp rise in the rate of hospitalisations for flu this week, particularly among the under-fives and over-85s. Admissions are now at the highest point since the 2017-18 season, and we are expecting case numbers to continue increasing as we move further into winter.”
The UKHSA has been urging people to get their flu jabs this year. It warned fewer than four in 10 children aged two and three years old have been vaccinated, while admission rates in the under-fives have more than doubled in a week from 8.41 to 20.70 per 100,000.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, the consultant epidemiologist for immunisation and counter-measures at the UKHSA, said: “We’re seeing rises in flu, Covid and other winter viruses as people mix more indoors this winter. Covid hospitalisations are highest in the oldest age groups, so it is particularly important that everyone who is eligible continues to come forward to accept their booster jab.
“If you are unwell this winter, please try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people, particularly elderly or vulnerable people – this will help stop infection from spreading.”
