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Hospital admissions for influenza in England have surged by over 50% within the past week, prompting urgent warnings from NHS leaders who say the so-called “super flu” outbreak has yet to reach its peak. In the seven days leading up to Sunday, the average daily number of flu patients in hospitals stood at 2,660, with figures continuing to climb. NHS England equated this volume to having the equivalent of three entire hospitals filled with flu sufferers, with some facilities reporting that nearly 10% of their beds are occupied by those infected with the virus. The trend is not confined to England alone, as other regions across the UK have also noted rises in flu cases.
When analyzing the demographics affected, children and young adolescents aged five to 14 show the highest rates of flu positivity. However, the groups most frequently hospitalized are the elderly over 75 years old and children under five. NHS England Medical Director, Professor Meghana Pandit, stated: “This unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.” Although current hospital flu numbers are the highest recorded for this season since records began in 2021, it is important to note that this data does not extend to the severe flu seasons experienced in 2014-15 and 2017-18.
This year’s flu season started about a month earlier than usual, mainly driven by a mutated strain of the dominant H3N2 virus, which has undergone genetic changes not previously encountered by the public. This likely means population immunity is weaker against this particular variant. Aside from influenza, NHS England has also reported a rise in hospitalizations due to norovirus, with over 350 beds currently occupied by patients infected with this vomiting bug.
The ongoing flu surge compounds existing pressures amid looming industrial action by resident doctors, the medical professionals formerly known as junior doctors. A five-day strike scheduled to begin next Wednesday may be averted following a new proposal by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The British Medical Association (BMA) has agreed to poll its members on whether to withdraw from the planned walkout, with results expected Monday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized the BMA as “irresponsible,” urging acceptance of the offer, especially considering the timing just before Christmas amidst the increasing flu pressures. Daniel Elkeles from NHS Providers summed up the situation by saying: “The NHS is in the thick of a storm come early. Flu is hitting hard and other winter bugs are surging. Now more than ever, the NHS needs all hands on deck.” He expressed hope that doctors would reconsider and end the dispute.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which monitors infection rates both in the community and hospitals, reveals infection levels are still climbing, though less steeply than in the prior week. However, officials caution that this should not be taken as evidence that the flu has peaked, warning the virus can be unpredictable with possible further surges ahead. Infectious diseases expert Dr. Conall Watson urged those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine—including people over 65, pregnant women, and those with certain health conditions—to get vaccinated promptly. He emphasized: “There is still plenty of flu vaccine available to protect those who need it – what’s running out is time to be protected ahead of Christmas.” Since full protection takes up to two weeks to develop after vaccination, immediate action is advised.
Despite these efforts, challenges continue mounting within the health system. Dr. Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, highlighted that winter viruses are exacerbating pressure on what she described as an “already buckling system.” She mentioned extended waiting times in emergency departments as staff are overwhelmed with patient numbers. Moreover, Dr. Price criticized NHS England and the government for deflecting responsibility, saying: “The situation in emergency departments has become so dire that what was once considered a critical incident is now seen as normal and routine. What is happening is not an isolated emergency, but the culmination of systemic failure.
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