Nottingham and Nottinghamshire respiratory experts urge public to get flu vaccine as cases soar | Latest news

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• Respiratory experts have issued a plea to the public to have a flu vaccination as cases of the infection continue to rise.

• Getting the flu vaccine can help prevent you from getting the flu and reduces likelihood of developing severe infection if you do.

• Since the beginning of October there have been 1,115  positive flu cases in NUH and SFH,  a 56 per cent increase on last year.

• The public can help by following simple steps like washing hands regularly, avoiding unnecessary visits to A&E and staying at home if unwell to prevent spreading the flu to others. 

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Respiratory experts across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have issued a plea to the public to have a flu vaccination as cases of the infection continue to rise.

Experts at both Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) and Sherwood Forest Hospitals (SFH), have reported significant increases in flu cases in the last eight weeks, replicating trends seen across the country. 

Since the beginning of October there have been 1,115 patients who have tested positive for flu in both NUH and SFH, which is a 56 per cent increase on the same period last year (up from 715).

Harry Pick, a Respiratory Consultant at NUH, said: “In the last eight weeks cases of flu have soared in our hospitals, with the overall number of inpatients with flu being significantly higher than what they were during this same period last year. With cases still rising it is likely that we are still yet to see the peak of this winter’s flu admissions.

“Flu can make you feel very unwell and, in some cases, can be very serious. This is why it is so important to get a flu vaccination, as soon as possible if you can, to protect you from developing severe infection, especially in the run up to the Christmas period.

“Such a large increase in flu places incredible pressure on our hospitals. Fortunately, many patients in hospital with flu have already had their vaccination and this has prevented them from developing severe infection, helped them to get home sooner and has freed up bed space for other patients in need.

“Colleagues across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are working as hard as they can to support patients with flu to get them well and get them home. This includes opening specialist wards to support all respiratory patients and improve flow throughout our hospitals.”

Alison Clarke, 55, is currently being treated at NUH’s Respiratory Assessment Unit for flu. After being treated by her GP, Alison later called an ambulance and was taken to City Hospital after her condition got worse.

Alison said: “Within just two hours it hit me – headaches, ear pain, feeling dizzy, I couldn’t stand up. I was aching all over my body, my legs, feet and arms. I was wheezing on my chest; it was just horrible.”

“I was finding it hard to breathe, even using my inhalers, so I phoned 111. They told me straight away that they were going to send an ambulance for me. Instead of going to A&E they got me in here straight away. I was on a side ward, was given x-rays and blood tests, it was amazing. They get you in and they look after you and that it how it has been since, and I do feel better.

Alison has had her flu vaccination but recognised how much worse she could have been if she didn’t have it, feeling that she would have been in intensive care. Her advice to the public, get the vaccine. 

“It’s just so important to get the flu jab and the covid jab, just anything that the NHS is giving out or that you can pay for. It is worth it, and things would be a lot worse, people die from flu.”

Both Trusts are encouraging the public to get their vaccinations as soon as possible.

Dr Ben Owens, Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care at Sherwood Forest Hospital, said: “As flu cases increase there are a few straightforward steps that can greatly reduce your chance of getting ill and help the Emergency Department (ED) stay available for those who need it most.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after being in public places or touching shared surfaces.

• Avoid unnecessary visits to ED. Coming in with mild flu-like symptoms increases your exposure to other viruses as well as the risk of passing infection to more vulnerable patients. Most flu cases can be managed safely at home with rest and self-care.

• Keep basic supplies at home. Having items such as paracetamol, tissues, fluids, and a thermometer allows you to manage typical flu symptoms comfortably without needing to go out while unwell. Paracetamol can help relieve fever and discomfort — just be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the packaging.

• Stay home if you’re unwell to avoid spreading the flu to others and seek appropriate medical advice, such as via your GP or NHS 111  if you’re concerned or if symptoms become more severe.

By taking these steps, you protect yourself, your family, and help the ED remain ready for emergencies”

Bookings for flu vaccinations are now open on the National Booking System or by phoning 119.

The following people are eligible for the flu vaccine:

• People aged 65 – 74: book via the National Booking System
  At risk people aged 6 months to 65 years: book via the National Booking System
• Pregnant women: via their GP surgery, through their ante-natal appointment at hospital, or at participating pharmacies.
• Healthy school age children (reception to year 11): nasal spray administered at school
• Children aged 2 or 3 years (on 31 August 2025): nasal spray at GP surgery or community pharmacy
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Household contacts of immunosuppressed people: book via the
• National Booking System
• Carers (those who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill): book via the National Booking System.