Health officials are sounding the alarm over an 'unprecedented wave' of flu infections sweeping England, with hospital admissions reaching an all-time high for this time of year.
Record Flu Numbers Placing Strain on Hospitals
The first official NHS winter situation report for the season reveals a stark picture. An average of 1,717 flu patients occupied hospital beds each day in England last week. Among these, 69 were in critical care, requiring the most intensive medical support.
This current figure represents a dramatic 56 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 1,098 patients were hospitalised with 39 in critical care. The surge is even more pronounced when measured against previous years, significantly surpassing levels from 2023 (243 patients) and 2022 (772).
Who Can Get a Free Flu Vaccine Now?
In response to the escalating crisis, the NHS is urging everyone eligible to get their free flu vaccination without delay. The jab is readily available to key groups, including:
- Everyone aged 65 and over.
- People under 65 with certain health conditions (clinical risk groups).
- Pregnant women.
- Residents of care homes and their carers.
- Frontline health and social care workers.
- Children (through specific programmes).
- Close contacts of people with weakened immune systems.
Appointments and walk-in sessions are available at local pharmacies, GP surgeries, and community clinic drop-in centres across the country.
Winter Virus Landscape: Flu Outpaces Covid and Norovirus
While flu cases are causing major concern, the latest NHS data shows other seasonal viruses are currently less prevalent than in recent winters. There was an average of 825 patients in hospital with Covid-19 each day, lower than the 1,390 recorded this time last year.
Norovirus cases are also down significantly. Last week saw an average of 263 hospital beds occupied by patients with diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms, compared to 756 at this point in 2024.
Experts warn that the flu season has not yet peaked. With the highest weekly figure last winter reaching 5,408 patients in early January, hospitals are braced for increasing pressure in the crucial weeks leading up to Christmas.
