"Half of Hospitals Overwhelmed by Record Flu Outbreak as 'Super Flu' Sparks Urgent Appeals"

Table of Contents

1. Flu Outbreak Overview
2. Strain on Hospitals
3. Impact on Schools
4. Vaccination Urgency
5. Public Health Recommendations

Half of NHS hospitals are currently experiencing the most severe flu outbreak ever documented in the UK.

Residents are advised to prepare for the situation, which shows no indications of peaking before Christmas.

Many NHS hospitals are struggling to manage the flu outbreakCredit: Getty Thousands of patients have been admittedCredit: Getty

Last week, an average of 2,660 patients were hospitalized with the flu each day, marking the highest number for this time of year and a 55 percent increase from the previous week.

As the 'flunami' continues, the number of patients hospitalized has also risen by 35 percent, although cases of the winter vomiting bug remain “within expected levels,” according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The strikes are set to commence on December 17, which Health Secretary Wes Streeting described as akin to “dousing the NHS in petrol and lighting a match.”

Streeting urged doctors not to proceed with the strike, cautioning that this “double whammy” could be “the Jenga piece that collapses the tower.”

An analysis conducted by MailOnline revealed that flu levels are unprecedented for this time of year at 70 out of 141 trusts—the parent organization of neighboring hospitals.

University Hospitals Birmingham has been the hardest hit, with over 250 patients admitted as of December 7.

A strain of flu known as 'subclade K' or H3N2 is believed to be driving the infections, which Sun columnist and GP warned is “more severe” and “more infectious” than typical flu.

In light of the rising flu cases, pharmacies have started to alert that their stocks are running low due to high demand.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, stated: “With record demand for A&E and ambulances, combined with an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is putting the NHS in a worst-case scenario for this time of year, with staff being pushed to their limits to continue providing the best possible care for patients.”

“The number of patients in hospitals with flu is extremely high for this time of year,” she added. “Even more concerning, it continues to rise, and the peak is not yet in sight, so the NHS is facing a particularly challenging few weeks ahead.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) predicts that by the end of next week, approximately 8,000 patients in England could be hospitalized with the virus, surpassing the previous high of 5,400.

While most individuals with the flu will recover at home, vulnerable groups such as young children and those over 65 may become severely ill and require hospitalization.

Schools Shutting

At least three schools have been compelled to close due to the flu crisis, and others have reinstated Covid-style measures as hundreds of staff and students are affected, with headteachers stating it feels reminiscent of “Covid times.”

South Bank Primary School in London announced it “would not be safe” to proceed with its Christmas lunch, plays, and craft days.

Budehaven Community School, located in Cornwall, is the latest institution to close its doors following an “unprecedented” rise in flu and Group A Streptococcus infections.

St Martin’s secondary school in Caerphilly, South Wales, temporarily closed after 242 students and 12 staff members reported illness with norovirus symptoms.

Meanwhile, Congleton High School in Cheshire shut down for three days two weeks ago due to a high number of students exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Health officials indicate that children are more likely to contract and transmit flu, while older adults are the most likely to be hospitalized if infected.

‘Now or Never’ for Flu Vaccination

There has been a ‘now or never’ warning for individuals to receive their flu vaccination.

Caroline Temmink, the NHS director of vaccinations, informed The Telegraph : “As families prepare for their festive gatherings, it’s now or never to get protected against flu in time for Christmas.”

“Children are super-spreaders, and with flu infections rapidly increasing among younger age groups, vaccinating children is one of the best ways to prevent severe illness, especially for vulnerable grandparents and loved ones.”

Dr. Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Independent Pharmacies Association, advised the public not to panic.

“If you are eligible, this is your last opportunity to get protected as we approach Christmas—so schedule an appointment with the NHS today.”

Children who have not received their vaccine through school should still have the opportunity to get vaccinated at a community clinic.

Children aged two