‘Tidal wave’ of flu hitting hospitals across the North West
Thursday, 12 December 2024
Flu hit hospitals in the North West even harder last week, as a ‘tidal wave’ of infections led to a 28% increase in hospital cases across just seven days.
The NHS is encouraging eligible people to get vaccinated without delay if they haven’t done so already to avoid “festive flu” with 1,153 patients with flu in hospital last week – from 825 in the previous week.
Winter vaccinations are being offered at community centres, supermarkets and Christmas events as the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside braces itself for a rise in winter viruses as we head towards Christmas, in less than two weeks.
Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows flu cases are currently highest among 5 to 14-year-olds, but adult cases are expected to rise significantly once schools and nurseries close for Christmas, as the NHS contends with a ‘quad-demic’.
Shoppers across the region can add a flu jab to their Christmas shopping list with the Living Well Bus located in supermarket carparks and town centres.
The effort to vaccinate as many eligible people as possible comes amid new fears of a ‘quad-demic’, with flu, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus all reaching record levels for this time in the year, as the NHS braces for a long winter ahead.
People have just over a week left to book COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service – until the autumn vaccination programme officially ends on December 19.
The 119 service, which provides booking support for those unable to access online services, will also close for bookings on 20 December, but it will continue answering queries until 31 January.
Still, the NHS is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families over the festive period and into the new year.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.
Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said:
“The increase in flu cases and other seasonal viruses creates additional demand during an already very challenging winter period.
“While the NHS has plans in place to manage this demand, with just over a week left to book your vaccine, it’s important that people across Cheshire and Merseyside get booked in and protect yourself against developing serious illness and avoid 'festive flu'.
“Having your winter vaccines will also help to ease the workload on hospitals and the dedicated NHS workers who will be very busy during Christmas.”
Professor Ian Ashworth, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Director of Population Health, said:
“Vaccines are our best defence this winter and will help prevent our NHS services from becoming overwhelmed.
“If you haven’t done so already, please visit the Living Well Bus or book your vaccination as soon as possible and make sure you and your loved ones are protected this Christmas.
“Visit www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk for dates and times of walk in clinics near you, or book your vaccines before 19 December through the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119.”
It is still possible to book your vaccinations after 19 December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer appointments, and you may need to travel further.
The NHS is also offering the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks and older adults aged 75 to 79. Pregnant women are encouraged to book their vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.
People can continue booking the flu and COVID-19 vaccine through local services until 31 January. After that, Covid vaccinations will close, and people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.
For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after 19 December, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination if you’re 18 or over.
Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.