"London's NHS services are bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter, with three times as many people in the capital hospitalised by the virus compared to the same time last year. Numbers across the country continue to spike at an alarming rate, but Londoners have been warned that the city's significantly low vaccination rates are particularly concerning. The number of people in hospital with flu in England is more than 50% higher than this point last year (Jeff Moore/PA)"
"At an NHS England board meeting on Thursday, chief executive Sir Jim Mackey warned that by the end of next week there could be anywhere between 5,000 and 8,000 beds occupied by flu patients - which could exceed the highest level ever recorded, 5,400. However an average of 259 patients took up a London hospital bed each day last week with the flu - triple the average of 89 this time last year."
London's NHS is preparing for a severe winter flu wave as hospitalisations rise sharply. London hospitals averaged 259 flu patients per day last week, three times last year's 89. NHS England warns 5,000–8,000 beds could be occupied by flu patients by next week, potentially exceeding the prior high of 5,400. England's flu hospitalisations are over 50% higher than at this point last year. A 'drifted' influenza A(H3N2) subclade K strain is driving cases, appearing more infectious and causing more severe illness while enabling co-circulation with other seasonal viruses. Over 1.8 million flu vaccinations were delivered in London between September and November, yet many eligible people remain unvaccinated and are being urged to receive the vaccine and consider mask wearing.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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