"It's been a bleak start to the new year as, like other hospitals up and down the country, we're seeing some very sick patients come to our hospitals and the cold weather and winter illnesses are having a real impact."
"Don't make the mistake of thinking flu is just a bad cold these figures show the infection can make people seriously ill, and I'd urge people to take steps to ensure they and their loved ones don't suffer."
"A spokeswoman said getting vaccinated, washing hands and staying home when displaying symptoms can all prevent the spread of respiratory viruses."
Hospitals in London are experiencing increased pressure from concurrent cold weather, circulating winter viruses and a rise in seriously ill admissions. Flu hospitalisations in the capital reached 419 in the week ending January 4. As of Sunday, 45 beds at St George's Hospital in Tooting, Epsom in Surrey and St Helier University, Carshalton were occupied by patients needing specialist care, and some beds have been closed due to influenza and norovirus. Flu admissions rose 24% in south-east England (from 290 to 360) and 17% in the eastern region (from 338 to 396). Vaccination, hand hygiene, staying home when symptomatic, heating homes to at least 18C and checking on vulnerable people are recommended to reduce spread and harm.
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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