Flu hospital admissions in England have fallen for the first time this winter, dropping to 7.8 per 100,000 people in the week ending December 21. The decline comes as health officials warn the virus remains active and could "bounce back" in the new year, particularly after Christmas family gatherings.
The figures represent a decrease from 10.0 per 100,000 the previous week, according to data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on Wednesday. People aged 85 and over experienced the highest admission rates at 47.0 per 100,000, down from 64.5 week on week.
Scotland has seen similar improvements, with laboratory-confirmed flu cases dropping by over a third from 1,994 to 1,297 in the week to December 21. Flu-related hospital admissions in Scotland fell from 950 to 679 in the same period, though flu-related deaths increased from 67 to 73.
Warning of potential second wave
Dr Jamie Lopez-Bernal, a UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, described the falling figures as «encouraging» but cautioned the virus is «still very much with us». He warned: «Flu is always unpredictable, is still circulating and could bounce back even further in the new year as we have seen in past years.»
Dr Kim Marsh from Public Health Scotland explained that flu seasons can produce multiple waves. «At present, flu A is the main strain circulating. However, in Scotland we typically see flu B circulating in the first few months of the new year, and this can cause a second rise in flu cases,» she said.
Health officials urge caution
Dr Lopez-Bernal stressed the importance of protective measures over the festive period: «Everyone, especially those most vulnerable to these winter bugs, needs to take care to protect themselves or help not to spread these viruses to others. This is particularly important over Christmas as families come together to celebrate.»
Health authorities recommend that people with cold or flu-like symptoms minimise contact with others and consider wearing face coverings in indoor public spaces. Additional measures include regular hand washing and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated.
Both agencies are urging eligible individuals who have not yet been vaccinated to get protected. «For anyone eligible who is still not vaccinated, it's not too late to get protected for the rest of the winter, but time is running out,» Dr Lopez-Bernal said. «Nobody wants to start the new year with flu so if appointments are still available near you, please make an appointment as soon as you can as vaccination can make all the difference in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation.»
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
