09/01/2026
💬 “Don’t make the mistake of thinking flu is just a bad cold – figures show the infection can make people seriously ill, and I’d urge people to take steps to ensure they and their loved ones don’t suffer.”
As of Sunday, 45 beds at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals were occupied by patients with flu and some beds have also had to be closed due to the infection and other illnesses like norovirus.
This comes as NHS England issued a warning that Christmas and New Year gatherings may have caused a bounce back in winter viruses – and that the worst is “far from over”.
Getting vaccinated, washing hands, and staying home when displaying symptoms can all prevent the spread of flu and other winter illnesses.
Elaine Clancy, Group Chief Nurse for St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group, who features in this video, said: “It’s been a bleak start to the new year as, like other hospitals up and down the country, we’re seeing some very sick patients come to our hospitals – and the cold weather and winter illnesses are having a real impact.
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking flu is just a bad cold – these figures show the infection can make people seriously ill, and I’d urge people to take steps to ensure they and their loved ones don’t suffer.”
If you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine you can book an appointment at your local pharmacy that offers this service.
Your local pharmacy may also offer the flu vaccine to children aged two and three – no appointment is needed and it is given as a nasal spray.
