The number of people getting seriously ill across London with flu is rising, with around 600 people currently getting treatment in hospital. These latest figures show there are more people in London hospitals with flu than at any point last year.
With the Met Office forecast showing temperatures are set to barely get above freezing over the upcoming weekend, a NHS London boss is warning we are in a ‘particularly dangerous’ period for people to fall seriously ill. This new interactive tool shows how long the delays currently are at your local hospital.
Medical director for the NHS in London Dr Chris Streather said: “These latest figures show flu is still on the rise in London, but it is not too late for people to get vaccinated by visiting a pharmacy offering the flu jab or contacting their GP surgery to book an appointment We are expecting to see very low temperatures in the next few days, which can be particularly dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions, so we are also urging people to make sure they are stocked up on any regular medication”.
Throughout December, the number of people admitted to a hospital bed with flu across London steadily increased. Flu admissions are expected to continue to rise as people start to mix at school and work following the Christmas and New Year break.
New cases of flu resulting in hospital admission are higher now than any point last year (
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
NHS London chief nurse Karen Bonner said: “We are expecting the number of people with flu to rise as temperatures remain below freezing over the next couple of days, so we are encouraging as many people as possible to get vaccinated. The health service faces increased pressure in the winter months, – getting vaccinated not only gives you vital protection against flu, but also helps the NHS to maintain capacity to be available for those who need it most”.
Flu vaccine take-up in London is lower than the national average with around 1.9 million people taking up the vaccine. There are currently around 600 people in hospital with flu in London, which is roughly 20 per cent more than last year’s peak. Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way for someone to reduce their risk of becoming seriously ill with flu.
Ahead of winter the NHS put in place measures to manage extra demand including upgraded 24 hour coordination centres, support for frequent users of A&E services, strengthening same day emergency care and providing more care in the community. People are encouraged to continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online for advice and support for health conditions, and call 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.
While the national vaccination booking system for covid-19 has now closed, those eligible can still get protected by visiting a COVID-19 walk-in vaccination site or finding a pharmacy.
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