The NHS in London is urging eligible people to get their free flu jab now as cases and hospital admissions rise.

New data shows there have been an average of 30 patients a day with flu in London hospitals in recent weeks, more than 10 times the number seen at the beginning of December last year.

People eligible for the flu vaccine include those in at-risk groups due to certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and aged 50 or over.

Published earlier than in recent years, the first weekly winter update data shows more than 19 in 20 adult general and acute beds were occupied in hospitals in London over the last week, with occupancy levels at 95% for adult general and acute beds and 86% for adult critical care.

The new data comes as health leaders have warned the NHS is facing a potential ‘tripledemic’ of Covid-19, flu and record demand on urgent and emergency services this winter.

Eligible Londoners can book flu vaccinations through their GP practice or by visiting a community pharmacy offering the jab. The National Booking Service is also trialling, for the first time, the ability for people to book their flu vaccine online.

Meanwhile, children aged 2 and 3 years old are eligible for nasal spray flu vaccines, with parents and guardians urged to book appointments to ensure their young ones are protected. All 2 and 3 year olds can have a free flu vaccine at their GP practice. School-aged children are also offered the flu vaccine in school. For most children, the vaccine will be given as a spray in each nostril, and it is a quick and painless procedure.

Dr Chris Streather, medical director for the NHS in London, said:

“With data showing a jump in flu cases and hospitalisations, it is even more vital for eligible Londoners to get vaccinated to protect themselves this winter.

“Flu isn’t just a bad cold. For some individuals – especially those more vulnerable due to age or a health condition – the disease can lead to hospitalisation or even death.

“This is why I’m encouraging all eligible residents in the capital to get their seasonal flu jab as soon as possible, alongside the autumn Covid booster vaccine where appropriate.

“Health and social care workers who are on the frontline providing care for us and our families should also ensure they take up the offer to protect themselves and their patients.”

Sandy Hensby-Peck, Assistant General Manager of Support Services at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, said she once thought she would die after being ‘struck down’ by flu years ago. She now makes a habit of getting vaccinated to benefit from the protection it provides. Despite being fit and healthy, the virus led to Sandy being signed off from work at her previous NHS Trust for two weeks.

She said: “I was bedbound for two weeks and seriously thought I was going to die. Even when I was well enough to go back to work, I was still feeling some after-effects like being achy and tired.”

Because the flu virus is highly contagious, Sandy had to also stay away from her friends and family.

“I had to keep them away as I didn’t want them suffering as well.”

Sandy had always resisted getting the flu jab due to her dislike of needles. However, she now gets vaccinated every year at St George’s Hospital without fail.

“I tell my team my experience and advocate for as many staff and eligible patients as possible to get vaccinated.

“Despite my fear of needles, I now always get the jab. I definitely don’t want to go through having the flu again as it was just so awful,” Sandy continued.

True to her word, Sandy had her flu jab in September this year.

Flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the windpipe and lungs.

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they spread the flu virus in tiny droplets of saliva over a wide area. These droplets can then be breathed in by other people or they can be picked up by touching surfaces where the droplets have landed.

You can prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, and you should wash your hands frequently or use hand gels to reduce the risk of picking up the virus.

But the best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination.

The most common symptoms of flu are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for some the disease can lead to hospitalisation or even death.