By Sanya Saxena, Second Year, Neuroscience
Hospitals in the UK are struggling to manage an unprecedented surge in flu cases as 17 hospitals declare critical incidents at the time of publication. A critical incident is a status invoked when healthcare services are negatively impacted and cannot provide adequate patient care due to an overwhelming increase in demand. Healthcare facilities majorly affected include those in Birmingham, Liverpool, Plymouth. Hampshire, Birmingham and Liverpool, in particular, are struggling to cope with patient demand.
Record admissions and system overload
Unfortunately, the current flu season has caused hospital admissions to increase alarmingly. Reports indicate that on the 29th of December over 5000 people were hospitalised - a fourfold increase in just a few weeks. The continuing rise in flu cases strains all aspects of healthcare facilities nationwide, affecting emergency services to intensive care units within hospitals. The situation is so dire that most wards are now operating at full capacity with some hospitals having to use their waiting areas to accommodate and treat patients.
These record-breaking admissions eerily mirror those during the COVID-19 crisis, causing concern among many healthcare workers. Staff shortages due to illness and/or burnout further exacerbate the issue. Alongside the adverse effects on staff, routine procedures and elective surgeries are now being cancelled or postponed to make way for urgent and severe cases. This has increased public scrutiny and patient frustration towards healthcare services, with some waiting up to 50 hours to see a doctor.
Rising concerns of a ‘Quad-Demic’
This crisis may not be limited to flu alone. To add to this already out-of-hand situation, there is now the possibility of a so-called ‘quad-demic’ occurring, as cases of COVID-19, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus have also begun appearing. Public health experts have explained the implications of this and how it could have long-term health consequences for patients suffering from chronic conditions due to them being immunocompromised and vulnerable as well as their access to routine care being delayed.
Measures to combat the crisis
Many hospitals have begun working towards alleviating the crisis by implementing various strategies, such as once again mandating mask-wearing within hospital settings, expanding ward capacities and expediting discharges of patients with acute rather than chronic conditions. To reduce pressure on hospitals people are being urged to use pharmacies or use the NHS 111 online to address any non-emergency ailments.
How to protect yourself
With flu cases on the rise all over the UK, it is wise to familiarise yourself with some preventative measures:
Get Vaccinated. The flu vaccine is the most efficient and effective way to prevent illness. You can get it by booking an appointment at your nearest pharmacy that offers an NHS flu vaccine. It is particularly important for people belonging to one or more of such vulnerable groups: the elderly, children and individuals suffering from chronic health conditions.
Practice good hygiene. This is self-explanatory, but remember to wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and avoid touching your face, specifically your eyes, nose and mouth. These simple things can go a long way in curbing the spread of flu.
Maintain Social Distancing and Stay Home if Unwell. If you experience flu-like symptoms like a runny nose or a fever, stay home and rest to avoid spreading the virus. Also, avoid contact with sick individuals and try to steer clear of big crowds during this flu season.
Remain Warm. This will be a hard one during this exceptionally cold winter, but cold weather is known to exacerbate any form of respiratory illness. Keep your thermals and jumpers handy and ensure your home is well-heated.
Official resources for guidance
If left unsure or anxious about the current situation, consult these trusted sources:
NHS flu information: Detailed information on the symptoms and signs of flu, preventative measures and treatments.
UK Government Flu Guidance: Official government updates on flu cases and vaccination programs.
NHS 111 Service: Non-emergency medical advice that can be accessed online or by dialling 111.
By remaining informed of the ongoing situation and further developments we can help ease the pressure on overworked healthcare services and protect ourselves and our communities during this challenging period.
Featured image: James Lewis
