Summary
The number of people in hospitals with flu in England has decreased, but the NHS is preparing for more challenges due to cold weather. Health authorities have issued alerts because colder temperatures could increase demand for medical services.
Key Facts
- The number of flu patients in hospitals in England has dropped from over 3,000 to 2,676 in a week.
- NHS England expects additional challenges because of the cold weather.
- The UK Health Security Agency has issued cold health alerts, in effect until January 9.
- These alerts predict increased demand for healthcare, issues with maintaining hospital temperatures, and possible staff problems due to travel delays.
- NHS England has urged the public to use emergency services only for life-threatening situations.
- The decline in flu cases was expected as flu levels in the community had started to fall before Christmas.
- Experts warn the flu virus might still resurge in the following weeks.
- Health Secretary Wes Streeting noted that, while pressures remain high, hospital bed occupancy and ambulance delays are currently better than last year.
