THE NHS in the North West is facing an unprecedented flu wave this winter with latest data showing an average of 295* people were in hospital last week with flu, that’s more than double the number from the same week last year.

NHS bosses in the region are urging eligible people to come forward for flu vaccinations and are warning there is no sign of cases peaking yet, with ballooning flu cases set to coincide with industrial action which could see thousands of resident doctors walking out.

With winter pressures starting to take hold the NHS has never been busier, but the public can help support the NHS and themselves by getting the protection of the vaccine as soon as they can.

Across the NHS, vaccination teams from general practices, pharmacies, hospitals, school nursing teams and even vaccine buses have so far delivered over two million vaccines to eligible people.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said: 

“The latest published data on the number of people in hospital with flu really does confirm our fears that we could be experiencing the worst flu season in recent years.

“With the first wave of flu hitting the NHS more than a month earlier than usual, it really is important to come forward now for the free flu vaccination and get this important protection and to avoid becoming seriously ill.

“The flu vaccine is our best defence against the flu virus, and it also helps to reduce pressure on hospitals and hard-working NHS staff who will be working flat out over the festive season.”

It normally takes about 2 weeks following a flu jab to develop maximum protection, meaning those who want to be protected for Christmas day get togethers will need to be jabbed by Thursday 11 December.

Dr Paula Cowan is a GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West. 

She said: “Flu cases are significantly higher now than we have seen at this time in previous years, so now is the time for eligible people to get themselves vaccinated and protected ahead of any family get-togethers they have planned over the festive period.

“Every Christmas we see far too many older adults and children admitted to hospital because of flu, and the best way to avoid this situation is getting your flu jab if you are eligible.

“I would urge anyone who’s eligible to add booking a flu vaccine to their list of things to do in the run up to Christmas so they can protect themselves and their families this December”.

The NHS is encouraging everyone eligible for a free flu vaccine – including people aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and young children – to book their appointment now through their GP, local pharmacy, or NHS online services.

The figures published this week are the first of the weekly published reports which track pressures on the NHS over winter.

It shows services are already under the cosh, with NHS 111 in the North West receiving 47,035 calls last week compared with 38,516 in the same week last year.

This winter, there are more ways to access care than ever before, making it simpler and quicker for people to get the help they need.

Pharmacies give patients access to quick, easy support – including prescription-only medicines – for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache.

Nearly all (98.7%) GP practices offer online consultation requests for patients, with almost 1 million people (929,564) using the service in October in the North West.

If you are unsure where to go, NHS 111 can help find the best place for your condition and it is available 24/7 online at 111.nhs.uk, on the NHS App and by calling 111.