Four Chief Medical Officers in Birmingham and Solihull are today sharing a warning about a potential ‘quad-demic’ of flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus.
Flu has already had a significant impact on the NHS in Birmingham and Solihull this winter, with the NHS seeing many more adults and children with flu than this time last year. As of the start of this week (Monday 9 December 2024), there were 275 flu patients in acute hospital beds across Birmingham and Solihull, compared to a peak of 219 last winter.
In Birmingham and Solihull, health and care staff have already given over 460,000 vaccinations for flu, COVID-19 and RSV but take up is still someway below the national average. The NHS is today urging those who are eligible and have not yet had a vaccine to come forward and book their immunisation today.
Dr Clara Day, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Birmingham and Solihull, said: “The last two weeks has seen a huge rise in the number of flu cases across our system. This is making people quite unwell, especially the elderly and vulnerable, and for anyone flu can be a nasty illness; it is more than a ‘bad cold’. We are also expecting another wave of COVID at some point, and again, for many this is not an easy illness.
“Whilst for the healthiest amongst us, these viruses might be nothing more than an inconvenience, for those who are vulnerable – such as pregnant people, elderly people or individuals with other health conditions – they can be life threatening.
"Unfortunately every year across the country, including in Birmingham and Solihull, a significant number of people will become seriously unwell and even die due to a virus illness which is avoidable. Vaccination is available and effective to prevent or reduce symptoms for three viral respiratory illnesses, flu, COVID and RSV, and I would really encourage everyone eligible to take up the offer to protect themselves and their families.”
Professor Kiran Patel, Chief Medical Officer at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Flu and flu-like symptoms can be treated very effectively at home; there is no need to come to A&E, where you are likely to wait longer than you need to.
"Instead, you or your family can visit your nearest pharmacy for cold and flu remedies, as well as speak to a healthcare professional. If you need further assurance or advice, you can contact NHS 111.”
Dr Satish Rao, Chief Medical Officer at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, said: “These viruses can be very severe for people who are vulnerable, particularly the children and pregnant women that we are caring for, many of whom have other health conditions.
"Flu cases in our emergency department have doubled over the past fortnight. Vaccinations offer protection for you and your family, providing the best chance of enjoying the festive period free from illness.”
Dr Robbie Dedi, Chief Medical Officer, Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Flu isn’t just a bad cold, it can be dangerous.
"The flu vaccine is specifically designed to protect against the most common and severe types of the influenza virus. It will reduce the risk of contracting the flu and spreading it to others. Even if you do get the flu after being vaccinated, the illness will be milder and prevent serious complications.
"So by getting vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself, those around you, and contributing to a healthier, more resilient community.”
In Birmingham and Solihull, as of 9 December 2024, uptake for the flu vaccination amongst eligible groups was 34 per cent. Within that, only 7 per cent of eligible pregnant women have taken it up while only 10 per cent of secondary school age children have had the vaccination.
Uptake for the Covid vaccination is at 28.9 per cent across all eligible groups, with uptake particularly low amongst adults with conditions that place them at risk of getting more poorly from a respiratory illness such as Covid.
For the RSV immunisation, 36.5 per cent of eligible 75-79 year olds have taken up the offer of a vaccine.
Last week, the vaccination period for a COVID was extended until 31 January and flu vaccinations will continue to be available until the end of March 25. Across Birmingham and Solihull there are 221,000 adults aged 65 years and over who are eligible for a COVID and flu vaccination. There are over 150,000 residents who are aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group who would benefit from the protection of both COVID and flu vaccinations. In 2024/25 approximately 60,000 Birmingham and Solihull residents will be offered the RSV vaccination.
Across Birmingham and Solihull, there are 158 different sites offering the COVID vaccination while patients can get the flu vaccine in 350 different locations. RSV is available via general practice.
Last week, the NHS’s national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “The NHS is busier than it has ever been before heading into winter, with flu and norovirus numbers in hospital rising sharply – and we are still only at the start of December, so we expect pressure to increase and there is a long winter ahead of us.
“For a while there have been warnings of a ‘tripledemic’ of COVID-19, flu and RSV this winter, but with rising cases of norovirus this could fast become a ‘quad-demic’ so it’s important that if you haven’t had your covid or flu jab to follow the lead of millions of others and come forward and get protected as soon as possible.”
Throughout the winter period, the Birmingham and Solihull Integrated Care System has been asking people to ‘breathe easy’ by getting vaccinated this winter.
For more on essential immunisations this winter, visit our Immunisations and Vaccinations page.