The NHS is bracing for its most severe winter crisis in the coming fortnight as flu cases continue to spike, putting hospitals, GP surgeries, and ambulance services under immense strain. An average of 2,660 people per day were hospitalised with flu last week, a 55% increase from the previous week and the highest number ever recorded for early December. Of these, 106 required intensive care, mostly for breathing difficulties.
The situation is expected to worsen as a mutated H3N2 flu strain spreads, which typically affects older adults more severely. Meanwhile, the government and the British Medical Association are at odds over a planned five-day strike by resident doctors starting next Wednesday, which NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey described as 'cruel' and 'calculated to cause mayhem'. Health secretary Wes Streeting has urged doctors to accept a new pay offer to avert the walkout.
In addition to flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid are compounding pressures, leading some hospital trusts to declare critical incidents. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's joint medical director, warned that these factors threaten to 'engulf hospitals'. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging those eligible to get vaccinated immediately, as time to be protected before Christmas is running out.
Vaccine uptake remains worryingly low among at-risk groups. Only 37.4% of under-65s with long-term health conditions, 35.6% of pregnant women, and around 42% of young children have received the flu jab. However, uptake among over-65s stands at 71.7%. The UKHSA confirmed that this year's vaccine is effective against severe disease from the H3N2 strain.
Experts are advising the public to take precautions, including masking, social distancing, and working from home where possible. Professor Shereen Hussein of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine urged people to check on older relatives and neighbours and ensure they are vaccinated, emphasising that 'safe connection should be the priority' this Christmas.
