Flu deaths more than doubled last year as hospitals brace for spike in infections
- New analysis shows flu deaths in England more than doubled last year as hospitals brace for impact of school half-term
- Mum recalls her newborn being rushed to Emergency Department with virus
The devastating toll of last year’s flu season is revealed as hospitals brace for a repeat this winter – with a spike in infections expected following the school half-term.
New analysis of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows deaths from flu in England more than doubled last winter (7,757) compared to the year before (3,555) – while child deaths increased 56% (from 34 to 53) – alongside lower vaccine uptake.
Last winter, St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals were hit by a flood of flu as well as RSV, Covid and norovirus – closing wards, adding to the strain on Emergency Departments (ED) and putting extra pressure on staff, as the virus gripped hospitals up and down the country.
Now that children have returned to school after increased social contact during half term, an increase in flu infections is anticipated – as this was also seen following the summer break.
With national data suggesting flu season has started early, the hospital group’s Chief Nursing Officer is urging people to proactively book their vaccine – before cases of severe illness and hospitalisations inevitably start to rocket.
Elaine Clancy said: “Last flu season was particularly nasty and we’re very concerned that this year could be even worse – we’re preparing for a spike of flu onto our wards.
“We see people dying every year from flu and sadly thousands more will likely this year. I strongly recommend booking your jab now, as it takes up to 14 days to fully kick-in.”
Amy Clare, from Sutton, saw first-hand how dangerous flu can be when her five-week-old son, Jonah, became seriously unwell with the virus and was rushed to Epsom Hospital’s ED in the winter of 2022.
What started as a fever quickly escalated, and Jonah was admitted the day before Christmas Eve. Amy said: “When the doctor told us we’d be spending Christmas in hospital, I was devastated. But he was in the best place to get better.”
“The care we received from the moment we walked into A&E was fantastic,” said Amy, 34. “The staff immediately knew something wasn’t right and they were with us every step of the way, running tests and checking on Jonah constantly.”
Jonah went home the day after Christmas, although they had to return daily for further treatment until the New Year.
“The care Jonah received saved his life,” said Amy.
Pregnant women can have the jab at any stage of pregnancy, as it not only protects them – it also helps to protect their unborn baby in the first few months.
However, in recent years, only a third of pregnant women have taken up the offer.
Other groups eligible for the free NHS jab are:
- everyone aged 65 years and over
- everyone under 65 years of age with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or heart problems
- children aged 2 and 3 years and all children in primary school
- some secondary school-aged children (Years 7 to 11)
- everyone living in a residential or nursing home
- everyone who receives carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- all those living with someone who has lowered immunity due to disease or treatment
- all frontline health and social care workers
Book your jab now: Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy – NHS
