UK GRAPPLUES WITH RECORD-HIGH FLU CASES AS HOSPITAL PROBERS REACH BREAKING POINT

LONDON, ENGLAND - A sharp surge in flu cases has hit the UK, leaving health officials scrambling to cope with the growing number of patients admitted to hospital. Data from the BBC reveals that flu-related hospital admissions have skyrocketed, now standing at four times the level recorded just a month ago.
According to the latest figures, there were 5,000 patients with the virus being treated in hospital at the end of last week - almost 3.5 times higher than the same week in 2023, although not as high as in 2022. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine has described the pressure on hospitals as "unacceptably awful", with flu cases pushing them to breaking point.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, warned that the figures show a "concerning rate" of rise, with cases soaring to over 5,000 per day in hospitals by the end of last week. With a cold snap expected to hit England this weekend, health officials are warning vulnerable patients about the increased risk of serious illness.
The NHS advises individuals to monitor for flu symptoms, which typically develop rapidly, including a sudden high temperature, body aches, fatigue or exhaustion, dry cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhea or abdominal pain, and nausea or vomiting. In children, symptoms may also include ear pain and reduced activity levels.
As the UK grapples with the flu epidemic, health officials are urging everyone not to delay seeking medical attention if symptoms develop. Getting vaccinated against flu is recommended, especially for vulnerable individuals such as older adults and those with respiratory conditions.