Wes Streeting says the NHS faces a flu challenge “unlike any” since the pandemic.
Streeting warned doctor strikes could be the “Jenga piece” that collapses a “precarious” NHS. Flu hospitalizations surged over 50% last week with no sign of peaking.
NHS England says last week’s average of 2,660 daily flu patients is enough to fill three whole hospitals.
However, NHS London Medical Director Chris Streather insists the current flu levels are manageable, noting that hospitals are now far better equipped to handle major outbreaks due to lessons learned during the pandemic.
He further stated that conjecture is unproductive and risks alarming the public.
A New Mutation Is Causing An Early And Severe Flu Season
Experts warn a new mutation is driving an early, severe flu season. Low immunity has led to the “super flu” label, but it isn’t actually more severe. Streeting told LBC that the combined impact of the flu and strikes is deeply alarming.
A fresh offer could avert the five-day resident doctor strike set for Dec 17.
The BMA is polling members on halting the strike, with results expected Monday. Flu hospitalizations are at a record high since 2021, though this data excludes the worse 2014-15 and 2017-18 seasons. Officials fear rising cases could top 5,000 by the weekend.
Scotland saw cases rise nearly 25% and hospital admissions up 15% last week. Wales and Northern Ireland report similar trends, with youth most affected. Schools are reinstating pandemic-style measures to curb the virus, leading to temporary closures in Caerphilly and reduced hours in Aberdeenshire.
Children And Adolescents Aged 5 To 14 Have The Highest Rate Of Influenza Positivity
Data indicates that children and young people between the ages of five and 14 are currently experiencing the highest positivity rates for influenza across England compared to any other age group. However, regarding severity, hospital admission rates in England are highest for those over 75 and children under five.
He cautioned professionals to choose their words carefully to avoid causing alarm. “The NHS is coping, but with rates rising, the peak remains unpredictable,” he said.