Flu Cases Surge in England Ahead of New Year
Flu cases in England have surged, with over 5,000 patients hospitalized as of the end of December, according to NHS data, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.
The average number of flu patients in hospitals reached 4,469 daily, nearly 3.5 times higher than the same week last year. On Christmas Day, there were 4,102 patients, escalating to 5,074 by December 29.
The figures indicate a quadrupling of hospital cases over the past month, with 1,190 patients recorded on November 29. The NHS issued amber cold health alerts as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
In addition to flu, hospitals are facing pressure from COVID-19, norovirus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with an average of 1,184 COVID patients and 74 children with RSV hospitalized daily last week. NHS officials warn of continued strain on healthcare services as flu cases rise at an alarming rate, highlighting the unprecedented demand on the NHS this winter.
