A new strand of super flu has left South Yorkshire hospitals “under extreme pressure” as doctors urge vulnerable people to get their flu jabs.

Current NHS England data for Sheffield shows 55 hospital beds are in use for flu victims, seven of which are in Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. There are presently no flu patients in critical care beds.

Dr David Crichton, Chief Medical Officer at NHS South Yorkshire, said: “We are seeing high levels of flu across the across South Yorkshire and the rest of the country.

“The number of patients we are seeing across all NHS services, including in GP practices, is very high for this time of year and our health services are under extreme pressure.

Hospitals are encouraging people to seek non-emergency care unless absolutely necessary.

While young people are more susceptible to catching the virus, medical professionals have said elderly and immuno-suppressed individuals are at higher risk of complications.

Dr Crichton said: “NHS staff in our communities and hospitals are working extremely hard to help people get the advice and treatment they need as quicky as possible.

If you are worried about your symptoms or not getting better over time, then call NHS 111 or use 111 online to get the advice and guidance. If you can, please stay at home and avoid contact with other people where possible.”

He said: “It is extremely important that anyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccination to help prevent them getting seriously ill. Vaccination is the best protection against getting potentially very ill and it also helps protect those around you.” 

Michael Harper, Chief Operating Officer, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Like most other hospitals across the NHS, we are experiencing high levels of emergency care demand which is further exacerbated by a higher-than-normal number of flu cases this year.

“As of Wednesday 10 December, we had 89 patients admitted with confirmed flu and many more with other respiratory illnesses.”

UK Health Security Agency data from 7 December revealed that young people and children are most susceptible to the virus. NHS England continues to urge vulnerable people to come forward for this year’s flu vaccine.

Mr Harper said: “We have plans in place to manage increases in demand including increasing the number of beds where possible.

“Teams are working exceptionally hard across our hospitals and community services, and people can help us by collecting patients in a timely manner when ready for discharge and only using A&E in genuine emergencies.”

Mr Harper encouraged those worried about their symptoms to seek help from Sheffield Urgent Care – Sheffield Teaching Hospital, advising to avoid visiting hospitals in order to limit the spread of flu and other seasonal illnesses.

Vulnerable individuals can find out how to get vaccinated here: Flu vaccine – NHS.

NHS South Yorkshire have advised:

• If you have flu, there are some things you can do to look after yourself such as drinking plenty of water, keeping warm, resting, and taking paracetamol to lower your temperature and treat aches and pains.
• Do what you can to reduce the spread:
  • wash your hands often with warm water and soap,
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  • Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do you normal activities