Hertfordshire NHS board warns of viruses peaking as flu cases 'surge'
NHS services in Hertfordshire are coming under intense pressure, the regional care board has warned.
The Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) has recorded a surge in recent flu cases. It is also dealing with Covid, winter vomiting bugs and other respiratory illnesses like RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), cases currently.
The ICB expects flu cases to peak December 19-23 in what some commentators are calling a ‘flunami’. It is also warning that the number of patients seriously ill with flu in hospital beds across its health region is rapidly increasing.
It has been revealed that ambulance crews in the East of England took almost 10,000 patients to hospitals, while NHS 111 took more than 48,000 calls during the last week of November.
NHS England figures published at the start of the winter season showed that emergency care demand was already running at extremely high levels.
Further data released by the ICB shows that the number of people in hospital beds with flu has jumped by 55% in just the past week. Nationally, cases are 40% higher than they were this time last year.
A spokesperson for the ICB said: “To protect yourself and your family from the misery of avoidable illness and ensure that NHS services are there for those who need them, local NHS leaders are calling on everyone in our area to take these simple steps:
“Make sure you are up to date with flu, Covid, and RSV vaccinations, which are especially important for older people, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Visit the Hertfordshire and west Essex vaccination hub for more information on who is eligible and how to get your vaccine. Get vaccinated now so that viruses don’t spoil your Christmas and New Year plans.
“If you have sickness and diarrhoea, stay at home, get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Reduce the spread by washing your hands frequently with soap and water – hand gels won’t kill norovirus. Stay off school or work and stay away from care homes, hospitals and social occasions until you’ve been clear of symptoms for at least two days.
“If you have a respiratory virus then rest, drink plenty of fluids, and use over the counter medicines if needed. Avoid close contact with vulnerable people, keep indoor spaces airy, and wear a mask when around others. Practice good hygiene such as coughing into your bent elbow or use a tissue and dispose of it afterwards in the nearest bin. Continue to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.
“Get quick and easy health advice from your pharmacist. High street chemists give patients access to prescription-only medicines for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache.”
Dr Fiona Head, medical director of NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB, said: “Dedicated health and care staff will be working over Christmas and New Year to help everyone who really needs NHS services. Please play your part by being prepared for the winter months and reduce your risk of spending a miserable Christmas stuck at home or in hospital with a nasty virus. It’s not too late to get your vaccines – they’re free for the people most at risk and save countless lives every year.”