Fears of Deadly Flu Surge Following Doctors' Strike
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, has warned that a severe flu season is expected just as the NHS recovers from a five-day strike by resident doctors. The service is preparing for its toughest winter, with an early flu outbreak predicted to claim thousands of lives.
This situation threatens to disrupt recovery efforts and strain hospitals, which are expected to operate at full capacity from December through March.
NHS Urges Flu Vaccinations
The NHS has issued an urgent call for people to get their flu vaccinations next week to ensure protection before the flu wave arrives later this month. This comes after Australia experienced its worst flu season on record, a reliable indicator of what the UK may face.
Early Surge in Flu Hospital Admissions
- Hospital admissions for flu in England have risen sharply by 60% over the past week, increasing from 251 to 422 cases.
- The current admission rate is unusually high for this time of year, typically seen only at the start of December.
- Health officials described this surge as “unusually early.”
- Concerns remain that many vulnerable individuals are unaware they are eligible for vaccination, with only 28.9% of people with long-term health conditions vaccinated this year.
Rising Flu Death Toll
New analysis reveals flu deaths in England more than doubled last year, rising from 3,555 to 7,757 fatalities.
Sir Jim Mackey said hospitals will be "at capacity" from December to March, facing a difficult few months ahead.
Author’s summary: The NHS warns of a potentially deadly flu season intensified by a recent doctors’ strike, urging early vaccinations amid soaring hospital admissions and worsening flu mortality rates in England.
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