Hospital flu cases up

NHS patients in England are urging the public to get their flu vaccines after being hospitalised with flu.

The latest data reveals that last week, there were 5,500 patients in hospital with flu and more than 9000 patients in hospital with Covid.

Carole Hildreth, 64, from Buckinghamshire, spent two weeks in hospital with flu and pneumonia. Hildreth needed oxygen and IV antibiotics. She said: “Having flu like this came as a massive shock, totally out of the blue. Looking back, not having the vaccine was just stupid. I’m always healthy and I felt invincible I suppose – we have had a number of vaccines throughout the pandemic.

“I’ve been in hospital for nearly two weeks, first in the emergency department and then on a respiratory ward. I now struggle to get enough energy to walk to the toilet – never mind chasing after my grandchildren like I usually do, and I even have to plan if I have enough energy to brush my teeth.

“I haven’t been able to fault the care I’ve received. The NHS staff kept me alive and got me going again. It’s so busy when you get to the emergency department, but they immediately swung into action and helped me and did their very best.

“I’d say to others to please think carefully – this has been devastating and put me back on track of being up-to-date with my vaccinations. I’d urge everyone please, please, please, if you get the chance to have a vaccine, take it. I’ll be first in the queue next time”.

Those eligible for the flu jab include: people aged 50 and over; those aged between six months and 49 years with a specified health condition; some secondary school-aged children; two and three-year-olds; pregnant women; primary school-aged children; those in care homes; people who are carers, as set out in the Green Book; frontline healthcare workers; frontline social care staff who do not have access to occupational health schemes and household contacts of people with weakened immune systems.

Hospital flu cases jumped up by almost a half (47%) last week, and NHS 111 staff answered a near record number of calls.

NHS Director of Vaccinations and Screening Steve Russell said: “It is both heart-breaking to hear the stories of those who have been hospitalised with flu and heart-warming that they received such brilliant care from NHS staff and quite possibly had their lives saved by the flu vaccine.

“With hospital cases for flu at their highest yet this winter with 5,500 beds occupied by patients with flu and more than 9,000 patients with COVID last week, the message is clear – anyone who has been invited for a flu vaccine but yet to take it up, should come forward now –  it is not too late and I would urge you to book an appointment at your local pharmacy, GP or via the National Booking Service, as soon as possible”.

Image by Alexander Grey from Pixabay