Winter viruses stretch NHS to the limit

The good news is, after weeks of acute pressures on our hospitals and GP services, it appears that the number of winter flu cases may have peaked. Latest figures show a nine per cent drop in the number of people in hospital with the flu compared to the previous week, so hopefully the worst is over.

Flu, though is just one of the many illnesses which the health service is having to contend with this winter. And with norovirus, RSV, and various versions of the common cold - including the particularly nasty HMPV variant from China - it can also be difficult knowing which illness one actually has. Factor in an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, and you have something pretty close to a perfect storm.

The annual crisis in our hospitals has become, over the past couple of decades, almost a routine feature of the British winter. But the number of hospitals declaring critical incidents - where hospitals may turn away patients due to excess demands - suggests a health service that is rapidly approaching breaking point. This is a problem will need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, it is incumbent on us all to use the NHS responsibly. 

That means getting your flu, coronavirus and pneumonia jabs if you are offered them. If you are showing symptoms of Covid-19, take a test. If it proves positive avoid contact with vulnerable people, and consider a few days in isolation if possible. For more minor symptoms, seek the advice of your pharmacist, who may be able to provide an over-the-counter remedy. Make use of the 111 telephone service for advice about what to do, and maybe try the walk-in clinic if you require help outside the GP 's hours.

We can get through this if we work together.