FLU cases in England have tripled in the last week, new figures show.
More than 200 people were admitted to intensive care with severe cases, while 26 people died of flu in the last week, Public Health England stats reveal.
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It suggests the bug is starting to spread more widely – with hospitals beginning to show the first signs of pressure.
Richard Pebody, head of flu at PHE, said: “In the last week, there have been small increases to both hospital and intensive care admission rates, meaning flu is starting to have a greater impact.
“These rises are typical for this time of year.”
He said the most common strain doing the rounds at the moment is swine flu – A(H1N1)pdm09 – which is covered by this year’s flu vaccines.
“Previous flu seasons suggest this strain particularly affects children, pregnant women, and adults with long-term conditions – so if you’re eligible, it’s not too late to get your free jab to protect yourself and vulnerable people around you,” he added.
In the last week, there have been small increases to both hospital and intensive care admission rates, meaning flu is starting to have a greater impact
Richard Pebody, head of flu at PHE
While there has been a rise, the flu figures are down on the same week last year – which turned out to be a particularly nasty flu season.
Flu cases rose from 14.8 to 19.2 per 100,000 people over the last week.
Last year that figure was 53.1 per 100,000 in England.
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Meanwhile, over the last week, there were 237 admissions to intensive care or high dependency units for flu.
The weekly figures also show cases of norovirus are up on last week – which is to be expected for the time of year.
An NHS spokesman said: “NHS staff continue to pull out all the stops with flu and norovirus cases continuing to rise as expected in January, although, thanks to closer working between hospitals, local health groups and councils, fewer people are spending long periods in hospital compared with this time last year.
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“With temperatures set to drop, it’s more important than ever that people help doctors, nurses, paramedics and other frontline staff provide care to the most seriously ill, by getting the free flu jab if you’re eligible, and by using the NHS 111 service as the first port of call for non-emergencies.”
Director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers Miriam Deakin said: “The figures this week show that the winter is making an impact, but trusts are coping, with staff working tirelessly for their patients.
“Falling temperatures and rising cases of flu and norovirus are adding to already exceptionally high demand for NHS emergency care.
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