Hospital admissions have spiked by 60 per cent in the last month
A new Covid variant known as XFG is thought to have driven a 60 per cent surge in hospitalisations for patients with the virus, according to the NHS. Health bosses emphasised there was no evidence that the strain causes more severe illness.
Nevertheless, experts have suggested mutations in the virus’s spike protein may have provided it with a slight edge when dodging immunity created by previous infection or vaccination. Figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveal the hospitalisation rate for Covid has climbed from 1.71 per 100,000 people at the end of August, to 2.73 per 100,000 last week.
There were 1,216 patients with Covid in hospitals across England at the end of last month, latest published data reveal. The NHS is encouraging everyone eligible for a free Covid or flu vaccine to come forward as the programme expands to all groups this week, reports the Express.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “It’s concerning to hear flu and Covid-19 cases are already creeping up ahead of winter but vaccinations remain our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving.”
She added: “I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home. Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and others around you, it might keep you out of hospital this winter.”
Free Covid jabs are available for all adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunocompromised. Flu vaccinations are also being offered to everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, children and pregnant women.
You can book a vaccination appointment through the NHS App, your local GP practice, online, or by calling 119, and walk-in sessions are taking place at some pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres.
The UKHSA has also revealed a 50 per cent increase in rhinovirus which causes the common cold, coinciding with the return of schools after the summer break.
It comes as the NHS issued a warning that this winter is on course to be the busiest on record for A&E and ambulance services. More than 450,000 hospital bed days were occupied by patients with flu and Covid last winter.
Hospital trusts have been practicing with “war game” exercises to test their plans for crisis scenarios such as staffing shortages, a rapid rise in demand and multiple virus outbreaks.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Vaccines save lives and with flu and Covid-19 cases already rising, I urge all those eligible to come forward and prevent sickness before it happens. It is easier than ever to book your vaccination with appointments available at GP surgeries, pharmacies and community centres across the country.”
She added: “Get vaccinated and protect yourself, your loved ones and help reduce pressure on the NHS. Don’t wait – book your appointment today.”
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