Hospitalizations for influenza exceeded those for COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began | UK News

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Hospital admissions for influenza in England have surpassed those for COVID-19 for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Figures from the UK’s Health Security Agency show the acceptance rate for influenza was 6.8 per 100,000 people in the week ending December 11, compared to 6.6 per 100,000 people for COVID-19.

It also means that flu admissions are being recorded at a higher rate than in any week during the past four winters – something that will worry health workers, who are already under pressure.

Dr Conall Watson, UKHSA Consultant Epidemiologist, said: “Flu is now circulating widely and we have seen a sharp rise in hospital admissions due to influenza this week, particularly among children under five and those over 85.

“Admission rates are now at the highest point since the 2017/18 season and we expect case numbers to continue to increase as we move into winter.

“The flu vaccine provides the best protection against severe illness and it is not too late for everyone who is eligible to receive it.

“Uptake is particularly low in people between the ages of two and three, so if your child qualifies, please accept the offer.”

Acceptance levels for influenza and COVID-19 are rising but the acceptance rate for influenza has risen even more steeply – nearly doubling from 3.9 per 100,000.

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Acceptance is highest among those ages 85 and older (23.1 per 100,000 people — a weekly increase of 10.7).

There was also a higher rate among children aged four and under – from 8.4 to 20.7.

All two- to three-year-olds are eligible for the influenza spray vaccine at GP surgery, but only 37.4% of two-year-olds and 39.5% of three-year-olds agreed to be offered.

About 33 million people in England could get a flu shot for free this year, including those aged 50 or over, children of primary school age, and some children of secondary school age.

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Other eligible groups include pregnant women, people in care homes, frontline health and social care workers, carers, those ages 6 to 49 with a defined health condition, and household contacts of people with compromised immune systems. .

On Thursday, NHS figures were published showing that an average of 1,162 flu patients were in hospital beds in England every day last week – up 63% from 712 in the previous week.

About 87 flu patients were in intensive care beds – up 45% week over week.

In the comparable period last winter, only 25 patients per day were in the hospital with the flu and only one was in critical care.

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