'Flu returned at scale last winter after being locked out by Covid-19 control measures.'
Over 14,500 deaths were associated with influenza in England throughout the 2022/23 season, representing the highest death toll since 2017/18, according to recent figures. In addition, extreme cold weather is likely linked to a further 5,500 deaths, the greatest number in the past ten years.
The UK Health Security Agency estimates that 14,623 flu-related deaths occurred during the 2022/23 season in England. This number is the most substantial since the 2017/18 season when 22,419 deaths were recorded. Each flu season spans from week 40 of one year to week 20 of the next, in this case, from the week beginning October 3, 2022, to the week ending May 21, 2023.
Dr Conall Watson, UKHSA's leading flu epidemiologist, stated, "Flu returned at scale last winter after being locked out by Covid-19 control measures. Lower population immunity following flu’s absence played a part in the season starting relatively early and led to lots of people catching flu in a short time-frame." He noted that a surge in severe flu cases that required hospitalisation put additional strain on the health system.
The mid-December cold snap last year brought heavy snow across England, resulting in the closure of motorways and airports, blocked roads, and damaged power lines. In many regions, temperatures hovered near freezing for several days, with some, like Wallington in Northumberland, barely reaching 0C and recording a low of -5.9C on December 12.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
In pictures: Bass Rock's black-eyed flu survivorsGannet have been found at the island with an eye colouration linked to bird flu.
Read more »
Bank of England raises interest rates to highest level in 15 yearsBREAKING: The Bank of England has raised interest rates to 5%, their highest level in 15 years.
Read more »
In pictures: Prince William in good luck visit to England Women's teamPrince William's good luck visit to England Women's team ahead of World Cup campaign
Read more »
Australia celebrate wildly with famous win despite England heroics in first Ashes TestAustralia came back to land the first blow in the Ashes as Pat Cummins led his side to victory by two wickets at Edgbaston. Claiming revenge for 2005, Australia produced a late rally with their bac…
Read more »
Teens in England will have just one dose of HPV jabStudies from around the world suggest one dose is enough to provide good protection against a range of cancers, including cervical cancer.
Read more »