The NHS is confronting a record-breaking surge in flu cases, described by health leaders as a 'tidal wave' of illness, as the service heads into its most challenging winter period. The alarming rise comes alongside the threat of further industrial action by junior doctors, compounding fears of severe disruption in the run-up to Christmas.
Record-Breaking Flu Admissions Strain Hospitals
Latest figures from NHS England reveal that an average of 1,717 patients were admitted to hospital with flu each day last week. This marks a dramatic increase from the 1,098 daily admissions seen at the same point in 2024. The data indicates that current flu levels are 56 per cent higher than this time last year and a staggering ten times higher than in 2023, when daily admissions averaged just 243.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, voiced serious concern, stating: "The NHS is facing a tidal wave of flu. It’s very worrying to see the figures at a record high for the time of year — and still heading up." He warned that this surge is occurring alongside other seasonal winter bugs, piling immense pressure on health services.
Industrial Action Looms Over Winter Crisis
The escalating health crisis is set against a backdrop of renewed industrial unrest. Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) are scheduled to stage a five-day walkout from 17 to 22 December. The union has accused the government of failing to make sufficient progress in negotiations over pay and working conditions for junior doctors.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has branded the planned strike dates as "irresponsible," warning they represent a "different magnitude of risk" due to their timing just before the Christmas bank holidays, when the NHS is typically grappling with peak winter demand.
System Under Pressure from All Sides
Health policy experts have underscored the severity of the situation. Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of the King’s Fund, noted: "Today’s data confirms that the NHS is entering the most challenging period of the year with pressures hitting the health and care service from all directions."
She highlighted that the flu season started unusually early this year and is yet to peak, making it difficult to predict how long the current surge will be sustained. The combination of rising viral infections and the prospect of industrial action is adding significant strain to a system already struggling to provide timely patient care.
NHS leaders are now issuing urgent appeals for resolution. Daniel Elkeles added: "The last thing anyone needs now is the prospect of another strike by resident doctors, bringing yet more disruption and distress for patients. We urge the BMA to see sense, get round the table with the government and end the dispute, so we can have all hands on deck in the lead-up to Christmas."
