England's hospitals are grappling with a record number of flu patients for this time of year, with health officials warning the NHS is preparing for an "unprecedented wave" of infections this winter.
Record Numbers and Rising Pressure
The first official NHS winter situation report reveals that an average of 1,717 flu patients were in hospital beds each day last week. This figure includes 69 people requiring critical care. The data shows a stark year-on-year increase, standing 56% higher than the same week in 2024, when 1,098 patients were recorded.
This year's levels also vastly exceed those seen in early December 2023 (243 patients) and 2022 (772 patients). The current flu season began earlier than usual and has not yet reached its peak, meaning hospital pressures are likely to intensify in the run-up to Christmas.
NHS Leaders Issue Stark Warning
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national medical director for urgent and emergency care, stated that flu cases are now "incredibly high". He confirmed the health service's deepest concerns, saying: "The NHS is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter."
He highlighted the dual challenge of "ballooning flu cases coinciding with strikes," which could stretch staff "close to breaking point." Professor Redhead urgently called for eligible people to get their flu vaccination, emphasising there are only a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity for Christmas Day.
Flu jabs are available for multiple groups including everyone aged 65 and over, those in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, and frontline health workers. Appointments are accessible at pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinics nationwide.
Broader System Strain and Industrial Action
The weekly report also highlighted pressures on ambulance services. Last week, 30% of patients arriving by ambulance waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams. While this is lower than the 36% recorded at this point in 2024, it remains a significant delay.
This mounting pressure comes as the NHS faces further industrial action. Resident doctors in England are scheduled to strike for five days from 7am on December 17 until 7am on December 22, following action taken in November. NHS England chief executive Sir Jim Mackey described the decision to strike as "something that feels cruel" and calculated to cause mayhem during a critical period.
Sarah Woolnough, chief executive of The King's Fund, noted the NHS is entering its most challenging period with "pressures hitting from all directions," citing rising flu and industrial action.
Contrast with Other Viruses
Despite the surge in flu, the NHS data shows some respite from other seasonal viruses. The number of hospital beds occupied by patients with norovirus-like symptoms was significantly lower than last year—263 compared to 756. Similarly, daily Covid-19 hospitalisations averaged 825, down from 1,390 at this time last year.
However, with flu numbers yet to peak and strike action looming, NHS leaders and health bodies have expressed deep concern about the system's resilience in the weeks ahead, urging the public to get vaccinated to protect themselves and ease the burden on services.
