Everything to know about winter flu as patients urged to attend A&E alone
Patients are being urged to attend A&E alone as NHS hospitals try to cope with high demand amid rising flu cases.
Some hospitals have also restricted visitor numbers while others are encouraging people to wear surgical masks to limit the spread of winter viruses.
Recent figures from NHS England reveal the number of patients in hospital with flu has quadrupled in the last month. There were 5,074 patients with flu in hospital on Sunday 29 December, which is up from 1,190 at the end of November.
Several NHS trusts have declared critical incidents due to “exceptionally high demands” in emergency departments, with a patient at one hospital forced to wait 50 hours to be admitted to a ward.
Why are cases of winter flu so high this year?
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests flu levels and hospital admissions are higher than this time last year.
The UK Health Security Agency’s chief medical advisor Professor Susan Hopkins said last year’s flu season was relatively mild, and cases are much higher this season.
“Our latest data shows that flu is circulating at high levels, with case numbers and hospitalisations now approaching the numbers seen in the 2022-23 season,” she said.
The number of flu cases tends to vary from year to year and is dependent on a number of factors, including which strains of the flu virus are most dominant and how many people were vaccinated.
Experts say a surge of flu appears to hit earlier than anticipated this winter - in December, instead of January or February. NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “The winter flu season has not only hit the NHS early this year, but it is potentially on track to be one of the worst we have ever seen, as the ‘quad-demic’ continues to increase pressure across services."
People socialising with friends and family during the Christmas festivities will likely have contributed to the spread of the virus.
“Frontline NHS staff are currently under significant pressure – and as families and friends have gathered over the festive period and to celebrate the new year, we expect the peak of seasonal viruses is yet to come."
There are warnings of continued pressure into 2025, with amber cold health alerts for England issued by UKHSA as temperatures in the UK continue to fall.
While health officials have been urging those entitled to take up the offer of a free flu vaccine, the number of people who have been vaccinated is lower than officials had hoped. Vaccine uptake currently stands at 37% for those in a clinical risk group.
Who is eligible for a free flu jab?
The flu vaccine is available to those considered at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, during late autumn and early winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
have certain long-term health conditions
are pregnant
live in a care home
are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Children aged two to three and school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) are also offered a vaccine. Children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions are also eligible.
Anyone in eligible groups in England can book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy, where available, or contact their employer if they are an NHS front-line worker.
People can also pay for vaccines privately at some pharmacies, including Boots, Tesco and Superdrug. This tends to cost in the region of £18.
Who is most affected by flu?
Experts say flu is more serious for older people, or the very young, as their immunity system is not yet fully developed. It can also be serious for those who already have an underlying medical condition.
UKHSA data shows that while those aged between five and 14 are more likely to be tested positive for flu, it is older people who are often treated in hospital. Hospital admission rates for flu were highest for those aged 85 years and over, at 88.38 per 10,000. For infants up to four years, it was 26.1 per 100,000.
What are winter flu symptoms?
The NHS says flu symptoms, can progress very quickly and include:
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
a sudden high temperature
an aching body
feeling tired or exhausted
a dry cough
a sore throat
a headache
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
diarrhoea or tummy pain
feeling sick and being sick
Children and adults are affected in a similar way, although children may also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
How to treat flu at home
The NHS suggests some tips for treating flu at home including:
resting and sleeping
keeping warm
taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains
drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
When it comes to giving children paracetamol or ibuprofen the NHS advises checking the packaging or leaflet to make sure the medicine is suitable for your child, or speaking to a pharmacist or GP if you're not sure.
How can you prevent yourself from getting winter flu
According to Dr Elise Dallas, Women’s Health GP at The London General Practice adopting proactive measures to support immune health is paramount.
There are several ways to help boost your immune system including:
Consuming a balanced diet comprising fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This provides essential nutrients and antioxidants necessary for optimal immune function. Incorporating immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, yoghurt, and leafy greens is beneficial.
Taking vitamin D and zinc supplements can fortify the immune system.
Engaging in regular physical activity. This strengthens the immune system by enhancing circulation, mitigating inflammation, and bolstering overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days of the week to reap these benefits.
Prioritising sleep plays a pivotal role in immune function and overall wellbeing. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to facilitate immune system restoration and repair.
Try to reduce stress. Chronic stress undermines immune function and elevates susceptibility to illness. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation to foster relaxation and resilience.
Cultivate good hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoidance of close contact with sick individuals, and proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of germs.
Immunisations: Stay current with recommended vaccinations, including annual flu shots, to safeguard against common infectious diseases and mitigate the risk of illness and associated complications.
Read more about winter health:
Why is this winter flu season so bad? (Independent, 3-min read)
11 ways to protect yourself against winter illnesses as NHS warns of 'quad-demic' (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read)
Can you really get a cold from cold weather? (Yahoo Life UK, 4-min read)
