People with a cough or the flu are being urged to avoid mixing with the elderly and most vulnerable, as numbers of people in hospital with Covid-19 has jumped to the highest level in almost two months. Health officials fear Christmas gatherings could further expose vulnerable people to the virus and have warned those who suspect they are unwell to stay at home and avoid mixing with others.
Health chiefs have confirmed that hospitalisation rates due to Covid-19 remain highest in those aged 65 and over and have reminded the public that Covid-19 and flu can cause severe illness or even death for those most vulnerable. Hospitalisations in those over 75 are said to have risen 'dramatically' in the last week.
It comes as NHS leaders fear this Christmas could be one of the 'darkest to date' for the health service, as they warned strikes threaten to aggravate an 'already deeply challenging situation'.
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The number of people in hospital in England with Covid-19 has jumped to its highest level in almost two months, with admissions once again running above those for people with the flu. NHS data has revealed that 8,643 patients in hospital had tested positive for coronavirus on December 21, a rise of 29 per cent on the previous week.
Separate figures published on Thursday show that an average of 1,939 people with flu were in hospital in England each day last week, up 67 per cent on 1,162 the previous week. There has also been a surge in the number of flu patients in critical care beds, with the daily average standing at 149 last week, up 72 per cent from 87.
At the equivalent point in 2021, the NHS had only two flu patients a day in critical care and 32 in general beds. The number has been on an upwards trend since the end of last month and is now at its highest point since October 28.
On Thursday evening (December 22) the UK Health Security Agency warned that hospital admission rates and intensive care admission rates 'have increased further' in the last week, particularly in those aged 75 and over, where the number has risen 'dramatically'.
However, around one in five people in England in the oldest age groups have yet to receive a fresh booster dose of Covid-19 vaccine, according to the latest UKHSA data.
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.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), added: "Hospitalisations have increased dramatically in those aged 75 and over in the past week, with admissions among children under 5 remaining high. ICU admissions have also increased this week.
"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.
"Most children aged 2 and 3 can get a nasal spray flu vaccine through their GP surgery. If you are pregnant or in a clinical risk group, you are also at greater risk, so it is even more important you take up the offer. Anyone over 50 can get a free flu or COVID-19 booster vaccine which can be booked online.
"We can all take actions to stop flu and other infections spreading, if you feel unwell try to stay home, and if you have to go out – wear a face covering in enclosed spaces. Wash your hands regularly and try to keep rooms well ventilated."
Saffron Cordery, interim chief executive at NHS Providers, said: “Trust leaders are expecting this Christmas to be one of their darkest to date. As they work hard to mitigate the impact of ongoing strike action, they are also having to contend with an incredibly long list of other serious challenges.”
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