The NHS is preparing for its most severe winter crisis in the next fortnight as a surge in flu cases, described as a 'flu-nami', places hospitals, GP surgeries, and ambulance services under extreme strain. Data from NHS England shows an average of 2,660 flu patients were hospitalised daily last week, a 55% increase from the previous week and the highest number ever recorded for early December.
Health officials warn the peak is not yet in sight, with a mutated and highly virulent H3N2 flu strain circulating alongside respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's joint medical director, said the combination threatens to 'engulf hospitals', with many trusts declaring critical incidents due to overwhelming demand.
The crisis is compounded by a planned five-day strike by resident doctors starting next Wednesday, which NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey called 'cruel' and 'calculated'. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Health Secretary Wes Streeting have urged doctors to accept a new pay offer to avert the strike, which they described as 'irresponsible' during this critical period.
Vaccination rates remain concerningly low among at-risk groups. UK Health Security Agency data shows only 37.4% of under-65s with long-term conditions, 35.6% of pregnant women, and 41.5% of children aged two or under have received the flu jab. However, uptake among over-65s is higher at 71.7%. Officials urge those eligible to get vaccinated promptly to protect themselves ahead of Christmas gatherings.
Experts recommend public health measures such as masking, social distancing, and working from home to reduce flu spread. Professor Shereen Hussein of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine advised checking on older relatives and neighbours to ensure they are vaccinated, emphasising 'safe connection' as a priority during festive visits.
