Winter viruses 'creeping up' as HUNDREDS in hospital with these vicious bugs

Winter virus cases are 'creeping up' alongside growing pressures on A&Es, new figures reveal.

New NHS data shows an average of 234 people were in hospital with flu every day in the week before December 7, up 53 per cent on the week before. Hospital norovirus cases also continue to rise across the country, with hospital cases up 15 per cent on the previous week to an average 406 people each day - a 28 per cent increase on the same week last year.

An average of 92 beds were closed each day last week and unable to be used due to measures to stop the spread of norovirus to other patients.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms, are also increasing. Data shows that in the week leading to 3 December an average of 146 children were in hospital each day with the virus, up 11 per cent on both last year and the previous week, which saw the number of cases reach 131.

READ MORE: Is Manchester on the edge of a new 'Golden Age'?

READ MORE: How much money each Greater Manchester borough will get this winter for emergency NHS care

The north west's NHS is urging people to use health services wisely as the rising figures come as emergency departments are coming under increasing pressure. Dr Peter Williams, the medical director of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “As with all other hospitals across the country, we are experiencing extremely high demand for our emergency care services, and with the recent cold spell, there is significant pressure on A&E departments.

"Infection rates in the local community for illnesses such as diarrhoea and vomiting are on the rise, with winter respiratory viruses including flu and Covid infections also