Brits should avoid celebrating Christmas with the elderly if they have a cold or flu due to a rise in winter viruses, health chiefs have said.
Due to rising Covid and flu cases, in addition to strike action from nurses and ambulance workers, health chiefs have warned Christmas could place severe pressure on the health service.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has since issued advice for Britons to wear a mask in enclosed places such as trains or supermarkets.
It said: “It is important to avoid contact with other people if you are unwell to help stop infections spreading over the Christmas and new year period.”
In data reported by the NHS on December 22, the number of patients with flu in hospital has increased by two thirds in one week.
There was an average of 1,939 flu cases in England’s hospitals every day last week, an increase from 1,161 the week before.
The number of intensive patients in intensive care has also rise by 70 per cent (from 87 to 149) on the week before.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director said the health is “facing enormous pressure” due to flu cases, staff sickness and record demand for services such as 111.
“As well as the impact of industrial action last week, it is clear that the NHS is facing enormous pressure ahead of Christmas with the number of flu cases in hospital and in intensive care rising week-on-week, on top of significant increases in staff sickness rates and near-record demand for services like 111,” he said.
“With more industrial action scheduled for next week, there will be disruption but we urge the public to continue to use services wisely by continuing to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, use 111 online for other health conditions, and take sensible steps to keep yourself and others safe.”
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at UKHSA, said: “Flu hospitalisations have increased dramatically in those aged 75 and over in the past week, with admissions among children under 5 remaining high.
“We can all take actions to stop flu and other infections spreading, if you feel unwell try to stay home, and if you have to go out, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces. Wash your hands regularly and try to keep rooms well ventilated.”
According to data from the Government, since November 20 the seven-day average of Covid cases in England has risen from 2,886 to 5,280 on December 14.
There have also been 960 cases of Strep A since September which has caused 94 deaths In England - 21 of which were children under the age of 18.
