Hospitals across the UK are confronting an unprecedented 'tidal wave of flu' driven by a potent new strain, with patient numbers soaring to record levels for this time of year. NHS data reveals a worrying surge in admissions linked to a mutated version of the seasonal virus, placing immense strain on health services already bracing for winter pressures and industrial action.
Unprecedented Surge in Hospital Admissions
The latest weekly figures from NHS England show the situation is deteriorating rapidly. An average of 3,140 patients were in hospital with flu each day last week. This represents a staggering 18% increase on the previous week's figure of 2,660, and a terrifying 55% jump compared to the week before that.
These numbers are historically high for mid-December. At the same point last year, there were 2,629 flu patients in hospital in England, while in 2023 the figure stood at just 648. The current trajectory suggests the peak of this severe flu season is yet to come.
The H3N2 'Drifted' Variant Behind the Crisis
Health authorities have identified the primary driver of this early and severe outbreak as a 'drifted' variant of influenza A(H3N2), specifically subclade K. This mutated strain has swiftly become dominant across the country. Experts warn that lower levels of natural immunity in the community following the pandemic years have left the population more vulnerable to this evolved virus.
The severity is further highlighted by critical care admissions. Last week, 128 flu patients required critical care beds in England, up from 106 the week before and slightly higher than the 125 recorded at this time last year.
NHS Braces for a 'Perfect Storm'
NHS leaders are sounding the alarm about a system pushed to its limits. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, stated: "With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year."
She added that staff are being "pushed to the limit" and warned that the challenging situation is set to continue for weeks, with the peak of infections not yet in sight. One hospital chief anonymously told the Health Service Journal that the second week of January could bring "carnage", describing a perfect storm of flu, post-Christmas demand, and the lingering impact of strikes.
Public Health Advice and Norovirus Pressure
In response to the crisis, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urgently advising all eligible people to get their flu vaccination. "Vaccines help protect those most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalised," the agency said, emphasising that "vaccines remain our best defence."
The weekly NHS data also revealed additional pressure from norovirus. An average of 427 hospital beds were occupied daily last week by patients with diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms, a 21% rise from 354 the previous week.
Flu symptoms typically appear suddenly and can include:
- A sudden high temperature
- An aching body and feeling exhausted
- A dry cough and sore throat
- Headache and difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite, diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
With the H3N2 strain circulating widely and hospital admissions breaking records, the message from health officials is clear: the threat is serious, and vaccination is a crucial protective step for eligible individuals.
