Hospital flu patients quadruple as health chiefs warn Britain is being battered by norovirus surge
Hospital flu cases in England have surged to more than four times the level seen a month ago, with latest NHS figures showing an average of 4,469 patients in beds last week.
The sharp increase represents a significant rise from early December’s figure of 1,098 patients.
The current numbers also mark a dramatic year-on-year increase, with last winter seeing just 1,312 flu patients in hospital during the equivalent week.
Among those currently hospitalised, 211 patients require critical care treatment, up from 184 the previous week.
NHS data reveals the latest weekly increase of 17 per cent in flu patients, rising from 3,818 to 4,469 cases across England.
The surge is putting significant strain on NHS resources, with frontline staff facing mounting pressure during the winter period.
While current figures show a marked increase compared to last year, they remain below the levels seen two years ago when 5,441 patients were hospitalised with flu during the same period.
Healthcare teams are particularly concerned about the timing, as the peak of seasonal viruses is expected to follow the festive gatherings.
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Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting said: “The tidal wave of flu this winter has seen more than three times as many patients in hospital compared with last year, putting huge pressures on the NHS.
“This government has ended the strikes so staff are on the frontline this winter rather than the picket line, introduced the new RSV vaccine, and put immediate extra investment into the NHS.
“But we have been honest from day one that the status quo isn’t good enough.
“We are investing in and reforming our NHS, and grasping the nettle of social care reform, to finally break out of the cycle of annual winter crises, because there is no solution to the crisis in the NHS that doesn’t involve a solution to the social care crisis.”
NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care Professor Julian Redhead said: “These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the New Year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.
“On top of flu there is also continual pressure from Covid, while RSV and norovirus hospital cases are also higher than last year, with hospitals putting in place an extra 1,300 beds last week than the same time last year in expectation of this continued pressure from viruses and other demand.
“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions so if you are at risk, do try and keep warm and make sure you are stocked up on any regular medication.
“Please continue to use NHS 111 and 111 online if you need advice and support for health conditions, and only use 999 or attend A&E in life-threatening emergencies.”