Fears of Thousands of Flu Deaths Following Doctors' Strike
Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, warned that a severe flu season is expected as the NHS recovers from a recent five-day strike by resident doctors. This could threaten the service's recovery and lead to a very challenging winter, with hospitals operating at full capacity from December through March.
NHS Issues Urgent Flu Vaccination Appeal
The NHS has launched a "flu jab SOS," urging people to get vaccinated by next week to ensure protection before the anticipated flu wave arrives later this month. The warning comes after Australia experienced its worst flu season on record, often a reliable indicator of what the UK might face.
Early Rise in Flu Hospital Admissions
Hospital admissions from flu in England have jumped by 60% in the past week, increasing from 251 to 422 cases. This spike is unusually early, reaching levels normally not seen until December.
Low Vaccination Rates Among Vulnerable Groups
Health officials cautioned that many at-risk individuals may not realize they are eligible for vaccination, as only 28.9% of those with long-term health conditions have received this year's flu jab.
Rising Flu Death Toll
Recent data reveals that flu-related deaths more than doubled last year in England, reaching 7,757 fatalities compared to 3,555 the previous year.
"A particularly bad flu season is likely to hit just as the service emerges from a five-day walkout by resident doctors." — Sir Jim Mackey, NHS England
"Hospital admissions for flu have surged by 60 per cent in England over the past week, from 251 to 422." — Health officials
Overall, the NHS faces a critical winter period demanding urgent vaccination efforts amid an early flu surge and the aftermath of medical staff strikes.
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