Fifteen-fold increase in hospital flu patients in just one month
NHS urges public to get vaccinated now at GP or pharmacist
Croydon’s Chief Nurse is urging local residents to protect themselves and their families against flu, after the number of people attending the hospital with the illness rose by over 300 in just one month.
People attending with flu increased from 22 in November 2019 to 331 in December 2019, which is almost four times as many as the same month last year. The first ten days of January had already seen a further 110 cases, including 17 children under three.
Flu can be serious and even deadly for very young children, older adults and
people with underlying health conditions. The vaccine is the best defence we have against what can be a serious illness, which is why Croydon’s NHS is encouraging anyone who is eligible to ensure they get their free vaccination.
Elaine Clancy, Chief Nurse for Croydon Health Services NHS Trust and NHS Croydon CCG, said:
“At a time when the NHS is facing ever increasing demand, it is vital that we are doing everything we can to ensure local people stay healthy and well and this can start with something as simple as getting your flu vaccination.
"Nearly a hundred people a week are being diagnosed with flu at Croydon University Hospital, including young children who are particularly vulnerable.
“Flu can be serious for little children and if they get it, they can infect others. You can protect your child and those around them by getting a free nasal spray from your GP.
“And if you think you have flu, the hospital may not be the best place for you. We’d advise anyone with flu-like symptoms to stay home and rest until you feel better or call NHS 111 for advice if you have an underlying health condition or feel very unwell.”
The free flu vaccination is offered to those who are at increased risk from the effects of flu. These include people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions and children (aged 2-10).
If you’re eligible, you can get your flu vaccination from your GP or your local pharmacy to help protect yourself and your families this winter.
More details are available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/who-should-have-flu-vaccine/