Ishita Roy

Why Is The Flu Causing More Problems Than Usual In UK?

UK flu

Earlier it was reported that Birmingham was hit by four different viruses, with the National Health Services (<span>NHS</span>) issuing a warning that respiratory illness are on rise. Now, the data from UK Health Security Agency (<span>UKHSA</span>) suggests that <span>flu</span> levels and hospital admissions are higher than this time last year. 

As per the recent data, the overall weekly hospital admission rates for <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/influenza">influenza</a></span> went up to 14.09 per 100,000 population in the week ending 29 December, as compared with 10.69 per 100,000 population the previous week, while it was at 8.72 per 100,000 the week before.

Experts believe that it is because the flu vaccines were offered later this year as compared to last, for some of the groups. However, it is to be noted that it is not unusual to see a surge in flu cases at the end of the year, when winters are at its peak. As a similar trend was noticed in 2022. 

Flu is the only one component, which has been nicknamed as the "quad-demic" that is affecting the hospitals. Due to this pressure, many hospitals are also facing a shortage of beds. 

The first time flu season became widespread was in the 2022-23 season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It led to 14,500 deaths, which has been the highest figure since 2017-18 season. 

Data from NHS England shows that, during the final week of December 2024, hospitals in England admitted an average of 4,469 flu patients daily. Although this is lower than the 5,441 recorded during the same period in 2022, there are no indications yet that flu cases have reached their peak.

The NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care Prof Julian Redhead said, "These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.”

The flu is more serious for older people, or the very young ones, who did not have their immunity system fully developed. It can also be serious for those who already have an underlying medical condition. 

The UKHSA data also shows that those aged between 5 and 14 are more likely to be tested positive for flu. The data also shows that it is the older people who end up getting treated in the 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 4 years, it was 26.1 per 100,000.

<h4>How can people protect themselves?</h4>

While vaccination is there, there are other things to keep in mind to prevent catching virus. This includes reducing close contact with others when symptoms hit. It is important to also wear a mask in hospitals and invest in an air purifier, which helps reduce the risk of airborne viruses spreading indoor. 

The chief medical adviser at UKHSA, Prof Susan Hopkins said, "If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses."

Health Conditions A-Z

health

flu in UK

ukhsa

influenza

diseases

You Can Time Your Morning Coffee For Optimal Heart Health, According To Science

First Death From Bird Flu In Louisiana; Are Humans Safe?

Mysterious Fog Is Making Americans Sick

Health & Wellness

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

10 Superfood To Help You Build Immunity

10 Cardio Exercises To Lose Belly Fat

10 Benefits Of Morning Runs

10 Intermittent Fasting Mistakes People Make

10 Toxic Morning Habits To Quit

10 Natural Ways To You Deal With Winter Dryness

10 Reasons Why Pickles Are Good For Winters

10 Healthy Custard Apple Recipes

10 Fun Activities To Build Your Kid’s Strength

10 Benefits Of Fenugreek Leaves

10 Exercises To Target Your Glutes

10 Dairy Alternative For Lactose Intolerant People

10 Health Benefits Of Avocado

Earlier it was reported that Birmingham was hit by four different viruses, with the National Health Services (NHS) issuing a warning that respiratory illness are on rise. Now, the data from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggests that flu levels and hospital admissions are higher than this time last year. As per the recent data, the overall weekly hospital admission rates for influenza went up to 14.09 per 100,000 population in the week ending 29 December, as compared with 10.69 per 100,000 population the previous week, while it was at 8.72 per 100,000 the week before.Experts believe that it is because the flu vaccines were offered later this year as compared to last, for some of the groups. However, it is to be noted that it is not unusual to see a surge in flu cases at the end of the year, when winters are at its peak. As a similar trend was noticed in 2022. The Flu SeasonFlu is the only one component, which has been nicknamed as the "quad-demic" that is affecting the hospitals. Due to this pressure, many hospitals are also facing a shortage of beds. The first time flu season became widespread was in the 2022-23 season since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It led to 14,500 deaths, which has been the highest figure since 2017-18 season. Data from NHS England shows that, during the final week of December 2024, hospitals in England admitted an average of 4,469 flu patients daily. Although this is lower than the 5,441 recorded during the same period in 2022, there are no indications yet that flu cases have reached their peak.The NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care Prof Julian Redhead said, "These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.”Who is most at risk?The flu is more serious for older people, or the very young ones, who did not have their immunity system fully developed. It can also be serious for those who already have an underlying medical condition. The UKHSA data also shows that those aged between 5 and 14 are more likely to be tested positive for flu. The data also shows that it is the older people who end up getting treated in the 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 4 years, it was 26.1 per 100,000.How can people protect themselves?While vaccination is there, there are other things to keep in mind to prevent catching virus. This includes reducing close contact with others when symptoms hit. It is important to also wear a mask in hospitals and invest in an air purifier, which helps reduce the risk of airborne viruses spreading indoor. The chief medical adviser at UKHSA, Prof Susan Hopkins said, "If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses."