Hospitals hit by ‘tidal wave’ of flu and winter illness. About 1900 hospital beds were occupied by flu patients last week, up 70% on the previous week. That’s 3+ times higher than this time last year. Hospitals are struggling to stop the spread of the virus within hospitals as well as admitting new patients. Covid, RSV and Norovirus are also causing problems. 95% of hospital beds were full at the beginning of December, rates not normally seen until the depths of winter. 66% of ambulances had delays handing patients over to A&E. Colchester Hospital is already on the verge of having to stop non-urgent operations.
The NHS plans in place to manage additional demand over the busy winter period, with one week left to book your vaccine to protect yourself against serious illness and avoid ‘festive flu.’ PLEASE get vaccinated against flu and Covid this last week they’re available. If you’re eligible get an appointment with your GP or pharmacist. Children, young people and over 65s are worst affected. The national booking system for flu and Covid vaccinations close on 19 December. Forecasts for the coming weeks and winter are that COVID-19, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will increase significantly in most age groups.
Norovirus cases are more than double the 5-season average. If you get it: stay home for 48hours after symptoms clear; wash hands with soap and warm water; don’t prepare food for others. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. Norovirus infections can cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people, so if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids and to isolate.
SWF Health & Social Care Group 