The NHS has been warned to brace for a particularly deadly flu season with as many as 60,000 deaths this winter. Scientists have warned that a combination of seasonal viruses and Covid could mean that the NHS is unable to cope this winter.
A new report warned that a mix of coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), could put severe strain on the NHS this winter. Scientists said that people who are sick should stay out of the way to avoid spreading flu and other winter viruses and stop the annual pressure put on the NHS.
The new report from the Academy of Medical Sciences says there is still high levels of uncertainty around the effect flu and other respiratory illness could have on the NHS over the winter.
It is feared that flu and RSV hospital admissions and deaths could be twice that seen in a normal year and could coincide with an increase in Covid infections. Models suggest between 15,000 and 60,000 could die from flu this winter. And due to the current wave of infections the NHS could face difficulties trying to catch up on the backlog of care – with more than 5 million people in England on the waiting list.
The report highlights other problems that the health service faces going into winter including staff shortages and reduced bed capacity. But experts said steps can be taken to reduce the risks, including the widespread flu campaign which is expected to take place later this year for over 50s.
They also called for the expansion of Covid testing to also include tests for flu and RSV. More must be done to support people who self isolate and the NHS needs a boost of staff, bed numbers and capacity, the authors said.
Meanwhile they called on the Government to give more accessible guidelines about the precautions the public can take to protect themselves and those around them from Covid-19, such as wearing face coverings in crowded indoor spaces, physical distancing and minimising transmission when infected.