Health: Flu and cold deaths up last winter
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Almost a third more people died last winter than in previous winters as a result of low temperatures, colds and flu. Figures published by the Office of National Statistics in Population Trends, show that there were 49,000 extra deaths last winter, compared with the rest of the year - 29 per cent more than the 31,000 extra deaths during the previous three winters.
Most of the deaths were among people over 75, and in almost half respiratory illness was the main cause of death. Yet there was no more flu than in previous winters. Dr Douglas Fleming, director of the Royal College of GPs flu monitoring unit said the timing of last year's flu outbreak - in January when colds are at their worst and temperatures lowest - accounted for the worse mortality. "Last year's virus was one to which the elderly had poor resistance. It hit them rather badly."
The report also shows that the UK is set to be overtaken by France as the European Union's second-biggest member. Although UK population is predicted to grow from 58.5 million to more than 61 million over the next 30 years, a lower death-rate across the Channel means that there will be more French than Britons by about 2005.
-
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments