Millions of Britons living with obesity face a significantly heightened risk from the ongoing "superflu" outbreak, health experts have warned. The alert comes as NHS hospitals remain on "high alert" amid record levels of admissions for this point in the season, creating a "perfect storm" of high patient volume and reduced staffing capacity.
New figures released by NHS England illustrate the scale of the challenge. An average of 3,140 patients were in hospital beds with flu each day last week-an 18% increase from 2,660 the previous week. This represents the highest level of flu-related bed occupancy ever recorded for mid-December.
The surge is largely driven by the dominant H3N2 strain, which is known for causing more severe illness in vulnerable groups. While cases dipped slightly in the North West, other regions saw dramatic spikes, including a 40% increase in the South West and a 39% rise in the East of England.
The pressure on secondary care is not limited to general wards. Critical care occupancy for flu patients increased to 128, up from 106 the previous week. Simultaneously, norovirus-like symptoms-often referred to as the "winter vomiting bug"- occupied an average of 427 beds daily, representing a 21% week-on-week increase.
These escalating figures coincide with a five-day strike by resident doctors over pay and conditions. NHS leaders have expressed grave concerns that the combination of industrial action and peak seasonal illness could overwhelm frontline services during the festive period.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting stated that flu is placing "significant strain" on the healthcare system, accusing the British Medical Association of "piling on the pressure" at a critical juncture.
Supporting this view, NHS England's National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, cautioned: "While some parts of the country will be breathing a sigh of relief with flu cases not rising as quickly as feared, we are nowhere near out of the woods yet. The NHS remains under immense pressure."
Amid this crisis, online healthcare provider ZAVA has issued an urgent health alert for the estimated 18 million UK adults living with obesity. This accounts for roughly 27.6% of the population, with rates nearing 40% in certain regions.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, a GP at ZAVA, explained the physiological risks: "People with a BMI over 30 are at a statistically higher risk of hospitalisation and severe illness, even if they have no other underlying health conditions. The biological reality is that the heavier someone is, the greater the potential impact on their immune response and overall recovery."
Medical research indicates that obesity causes chronic, low-grade inflammation because of excess adipose tissue. This internal environment dampens the body's natural antiviral responses, making it harder to fight off respiratory infections.
Furthermore, obesity can lead to prolonged "viral shedding," meaning the individual stays contagious for longer. Recovery times are also significantly impacted, often extended by 1.5 times-typically an extra day or more of acute, debilitating symptoms compared to those with a healthy BMI.
To mitigate these risks, experts recommend several proactive measures for those with a high BMI and the wider public.
First, experts urge the prioritisation of vaccination. While the flu jab may have slightly reduced effectiveness in those with obesity, it remains the most vital line of defence against ICU admission. It is important to remember it takes 10-14 days for the body to build full protection.
Environmental awareness is also crucial. The public is encouraged to practice "social distancing" in poorly ventilated spaces and consider masking in crowded areas like public transport.
Additionally, lifestyle support can help bolster the immune system. This includes consistent hydration, a diet rich in vitamins, and adequate sleep-all of which help regulate the inflammatory response.
Finally, officials stress the importance of staying home. If symptoms develop, staying home prevents the spread to others who may be even more vulnerable. Do not wait if symptoms worsen; use the NHS 111 online service for advice, and only attend A&E for life-threatening emergencies like severe breathlessness or chest pain.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) noted that while admission rates currently sit at 10.3 per 100,000, flu is notoriously "unpredictable." With the festive period approaching, officials are urging the public to take these precautions seriously to avoid a post-Christmas rebound that could push the NHS to its breaking point.
