Summary
Chris Whitty, England's chief medical officer, emphasized the need for the NHS to take infections in older adults more seriously, as diseases like pneumonia and flu can raise the risk of strokes or heart attacks. He highlighted a concerning rise in flu cases among older adults and called for improved care and research for this age group.
Key Facts
- The NHS was warned by Chris Whitty to focus more on infections in the elderly, like pneumonia and flu.
- Whitty noted that these infections can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes in older adults.
- England is experiencing a record high number of flu patients in hospitals.
- Data shows older adults, especially those over 70, are more vulnerable to severe illness from infections.
- Whitty called for a lower threshold for prescribing antibiotics to older people compared to younger adults.
- There is evidence suggesting that infections can raise the risk of strokes, particularly soon after the illness.
- Whitty also mentioned a decline in childhood vaccine uptake across the UK, with a notable drop in London.
- He stated that misinformation may contribute to perceptions of vaccine skepticism in the UK, which he contests.
