Flu cases rise ahead of ‘extreme cold snap’ - but why do we get more colds and flu in winter?

Hospital admissions from flu in England have quadrupled since last month and are continuing to rise, NHS figures show.

An average of 4,469 flu patients were in hospital beds each day last week, compared to 1,098 on December 1.

As the Met Office issues amber warnings for snow and ice in Greater Manchester from 6pm on Saturday (January 4) to midday on Sunday, the NHS has issued a warning to those suffering from chronic respiratory conditions.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year.

“On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.

“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions so if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.

“Please continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”

The NHS is under huge pressure from winter viruses as a cold snap hits, but why do viruses spread more in winter?Until recently, scientists weren’t entirely sure why germs spread more in cold weather.

A 2022 study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that lowering the temperature inside the nose by 5 degrees