Figures from the Office of National Statistics show excess winter deaths at highest in over forty years

In the winter of 2017 to 2018, figures from the ONS show that there were over 50,000 excess winter deaths in England in Wales, which is the highest figure since the same period of 1975-76.

Most of the deaths occurred in females and the over 85s, and the surge is thought to be a combination of spells of very cold weather over the season, high numbers of patients contracting the flu, and the ineffectiveness of the flu vaccine amongst older people.

The ONS’ head of health analysis and life events Nick Stripe, said “Peaks like these are not unusual – we have seen more than eight peaks during the last 40 years.

“It is likely that last winter’s increase was due to the predominant strain of flu, the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine and below average winter temperatures.”

The ONS added that last winter, although more people in the over 65 age group received a flu jab, the vaccine was more effective amongst younger people, and this may explain why flu had a greater impact on the elderly.

It is hoped that this year, an enhanced vaccine for elderly people should function better amongst that age group.

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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