Winter flu and Covid-19 hospitalisations remain at a four-year high across the UK, a week after levels hit their highest levels in at least ten years.
The latest figures have shown that although levels of hospitalisations fell last week, they still remain high, with health experts warning the numbers should be treated with 'caution'. The figures are likely to have been affected by fewer hospitals reporting data over the festive period, along with reduced social contact due to schools and workplaces being closed.
Flu admissions stood at 8.3 per 100,000 people in the week to January 1, down from 14.8 the previous week which was the highest level in at least a decade, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). But despite the drop, the rate is still running above any point in the previous four winters.
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Admissions continue to be highest among the oldest age groups, at 61.8 per 100,000 for people aged 85 and over and 31.8 for 75- to 84-year-olds. Covid-19 admissions also showed a decrease, down from 11.8 per 100,000 to 10.7. Rates for coronavirus admissions were again highest among the elderly, at 130.7 for over-85s and 51.8 for those aged 75-84.
There can often be a slight reduction in recorded levels of hospital activity over the festive period, which this winter included the weekend of December 24/25 followed by bank holidays on both December 26 and 27.
The latest data might have been affected by some hospitals not returning a full set of figures, together with 'reporting delays and bank holidays over Christmas and New Year', the UKHSA said.
But there may also have been a temporary reduction in the transmission of viruses due to 'reductions in social contact rates over the holiday', with fewer people travelling and many communal buildings closed.
NHS director of vaccinations and screening, Steve Russell, said that while the health service had delivered almost 20 million flu jabs to around four in five over-65s, “unfortunately flu admissions continue to be very high and so it remains vital that anyone eligible, including pregnant women and children aged two and three, who are yet to have their flu jab, book in for one as soon as possible”.
UKHSA chief executive Dame Jenny Harries said there had been a 'dramatic increase' in the number of flu admissions before Christmas, but they have started to fall in recent days.
“I urge all those eligible to come forward for their free flu vaccination, which is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness,” she said. “Uptake of the flu vaccine is particularly low in children aged two and three, so if your child is eligible, please urgently take up the offer.
“Covid-19 also continues to circulate at high levels and anyone eligible for a booster who has yet to take it up should come forward.”
Almost half of 55- to 59-year-olds have not had a fresh dose of coronavirus vaccine, along with nearly six in 10 people aged 50 to 54. Latest estimates from the UKHSA show that 81.9 per cent of people aged 80 and over have received the jab, along with 82.1 per cent of 75- to 79-year-olds and 78.7 per cent of 70- to 74-year-olds.
But levels are much lower among younger groups, at 71.6 per cent of people aged 65 to 69, 60.8 per cent of 60- to 64-year-olds, 51.5 per cent of 55 to 59-year-olds and 41.8 per cent of 50- to 54-year-olds.
All people aged 50 and over are able to book an appointment for the booster, providing they had their last jab at least three months ago. Doses are also available for frontline health and care workers, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.
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