Flu hospital admissions fall as health officials warn virus ‘still with us’

The rate of admissions stood at 7.8 per 100,000 people in the week ending December 21, down from 10.0 per 100,000 the previous week, according to data published on Wednesday by the UK Health Security Agency.

Rates remain highest among people aged 85 and over, at 47.0 per 100,000, though this is down week on week from 64.5.

Admissions have fallen across all age groups.

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Dr Jamie Lopez-Bernal, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist, said the figures were “encouraging”, but warned the virus is “still very much with us”, adding: “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.

“Flu is always unpredictable, is still circulating and could bounce back even further in the new year as we have seen in past years.

“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.

“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.”

The UKHSA advises anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms to try to minimise contact with others and to consider wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces when outside the home.

Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated are also recommended.