Flu Crisis: Seven UK Hospitals Declare Critical Incidents Amid Soaring Cases
Southampton Joins the List with Critical Alert
Southampton General Hospital has become the seventh NHS facility to declare a critical incident this week. The University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust announced a major alert early this morning due to mounting pressure from a surge in flu cases sweeping across the UK.
Hospitals Across the UK Grapple with Flu Surge
At least six other hospitals, including four in Birmingham, have already warned patients to steer clear unless absolutely necessary. University Hospitals Birmingham, which operates Good Hope, Heartlands, Queen Elizabeth, and Solihull hospitals, declared a critical incident over severe bed shortages in A&E.
The trust revealed “exceptional numbers” of flu admissions, with 269 flu patients currently hospitalised.
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust also declared a critical incident for Stoke and Stafford hospitals but stood it down this afternoon.
Mask Mandates Return as NHS Fights Flu Spread
NHS staff and patients are being urged to wear masks once again in several hospitals to curb the rising flu wave caused by a mutated H3N2 strain. Frimley NHS Foundation Trust has instructed clinical ward staff to wear fluid-resistant surgical masks amid high local infection rates.
Hospitals in the Midlands, Surrey, Sussex, and Swindon have reinstated mask rules in A&E and other care areas.
Dr Diane Adamson, UHNM Chief Medical Officer, warned: “Emergency departments will prioritise the sickest patients, which means longer delays for some. We ask the public to only use A&E for serious or life-threatening emergencies. Please arrange timely pick-ups for discharged patients.”
Flu Fears Spark Rush for Masks and Sanitiser
After mask-wearing faded post-pandemic, Brits are snapping up flu meds, masks, and hand sanitiser again. Rita Arora, a pharmacist in Fulham, London, told Metro: “People are treating flu like Covid-19—trying hard not to get sick or spread it.”
How to Spot the Flu
- Sudden high temperature
- Aching body
- Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or stomach upset
