North Yorkshire hospitals have seen a surge in the number of flu patients hospitalised over the last month.
NHS bosses are warning cases are “rising at a very concerning rate”.
Figures from the York and Scarborough National Trust have revealed that within the space of 31 days, the number of patients more than trebled.
These statistics coincide with health bosses urging those who visit York Hospital’s emergency department to do so alone, due to overcrowding.
On 29 November, the York and Scarborough Trust recorded 18 flu patients hospitalised in York and Scarborough hospitals.
The number of patients more than trebled by 29 December 2024, with 60 flu patients hospitalised and a further two in critical care.
Nationally, the outbreak hasn’t yet peaked, according to Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care.
He said: “Wards are now full to bursting and that pressure is feeding back into A&E departments, with patients being treated in environments not usually used for clinical care.”
A spokesperson for York and Scarborough Hospital Trust revealed that the increase in flu cases, alongside other seasonal viruses, have arrived earlier than anticipated compared to last year.
The rise has created a growing demand on North Yorkshire hospitals, in what is already a “very challenging winter period”.
The spokesperson said, “while we have plans in place to manage this demand, vaccines are the best defence and can help prevent our services from becoming overwhelmed.
“Whilst flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for others.”
They encourage everyone eligible to book in for a vaccine, to do so as soon as possible.
The Trust told YorkMix that although the national flu booking service closed on 19 December, the vaccine is still available at some local pharmacies.
You can call 119 to find pharmacies offering the flu vaccine, or find a service online.