Frontline doctors are warning that winter virus cases are "creeping up" alongside pressure on emergency departments.

Flu, norovirus & RSV

Recent NHS data shows the number of flu patients in hospital had risen by more than half in a week. An average of 234 people were in hospital with flu every day, up 53% on the week before.

Hospital cases of norovirus – the winter vomiting bug are also on the rise.

And cases of RSV - Respiratory Syncytial Virus - are also increasing, with data showing in the week to 3 December that an average of 146 children were in hospital each day with the virus.

Steps paying off

Steps taken by NHS staff to prepare ahead of winter are paying off but pressures on the service remain high. Planned industrial action by junior doctors from 7 am on Wednesday 20^th December to 7am on Saturday 23^rd  December and from 7 am on Wednesday 3rd January to 7 am on Tuesday 9th January 2024, will add to those pressures.

Doctors are therefore asking the public to play their part by using NHS 111 when you can’t get hold of your GP. They also want those people who are eligible people to  book their flu and Covid jabs top  reduce the  chance of them getting sick.

High demand

Dr Peter Williams, Medical Director, Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust:  “As with all other hospitals across the country, we are experiencing extremely high demand for our emergency care services, and with the recent cold spell, there is significant pressure on A&E departments.

"Infection rates in the local community for illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting are on the rise, with winter respiratory viruses including flu and Covid infections also remaining prevalent.

“We ask anyone who feels they need urgent care to consider the best service for their needs and only use A&E if it is a serious or life-threatening emergency.

“Local pharmacies are open seven days a week to offer advice and over the counter medications.

Increase in winter viruses

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England’s National Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said: "Demand on hospitals and staff remains high, and as we experience more spells of cold weather and people gathering indoors for festive events and end of year celebrations, we expect to see a continued increase in winter viruses spreading in the community and in some cases, this will lead to hospital admissions.”

You can use this link to find out more about staying well from NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.