Hospitals across England are grappling with a record-breaking wave of so-called 'super flu', with the latest NHS data showing a continued and severe surge in admissions.
An average of 3,140 patients were in hospital with flu each day last week, marking an 18% increase on the previous week's figure of 2,660. This represents a stark rise of 55% compared to the week before that, piling immense pressure on health services during an unusually early and intense season.
Unprecedented Pressure on NHS Services
The new figures, published on 18 December 2025, reveal that hospitalisations are at their highest level for this point in the year in recent records. At the same stage in 2024, there were 2,629 patients, compared to just 648 in 2023.
Health officials attribute the severity to lower levels of natural immunity in the community, with a specific 'drifted' strain of influenza A(H3N2), known as subclade K, quickly becoming dominant across the UK.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, warned of a "worst-case scenario" for the health service. "The number of flu patients in hospital is exceptionally high for this stage of the season," she said. "More concerning is that it is still rising and the peak has not yet been reached, meaning the coming weeks will be extremely challenging."
Critical Care Beds and Wider Winter Pressures
The strain is also being felt in intensive care units. Data shows that 128 flu patients were in critical care beds in England last week, up from 106 the week before and slightly above the 125 recorded at this time last year.
Last winter, weekly flu admissions peaked at 5,408, while the 2022/23 season saw a high of 5,441 – the highest level since the pandemic. Health leaders fear a "tidal wave" of illness, with doctors' strikes and a post-Christmas demand surge threatening to create a perfect storm in early January.
Separate data also shows an average of 427 hospital beds were occupied daily last week by patients with diarrhoea, vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, a 21% weekly rise.
Symptoms and the Vital Call for Vaccination
Flu symptoms can develop suddenly and include a sudden high temperature, aching body, extreme tiredness, a dry cough, sore throat, headache, and sometimes gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea or vomiting.
In response to the crisis, the UK Health Security Agency is issuing a strong plea for eligible people to get vaccinated. "Vaccination is vital in protecting the most vulnerable from serious illness and hospital admission," a statement said. "Vaccines remain our strongest defence."
The NHS provides a weekly interactive map showing how local services are coping with the increased demand, allowing the public to check the situation in their area.
