Newly released NHS data has revealed a significant and concerning surge in influenza cases across England's hospitals, with patient numbers now more than half as high again as they were this time last year.
Sharp Rise in Flu and Norovirus Cases
The first NHS winter situation report of the season, published on Thursday 4 December 2025, shows that an average of 1,717 patients with flu required a hospital bed each day last week. Of these, 69 were in critical care. This marks a dramatic 56% increase from the equivalent week in 2024, when the daily average stood at 1,098 patients, with 39 in critical care.
The current figures also far exceed those from previous winters, highlighting the severity of this year's season. In 2023, the daily average was just 243 flu patients, while in 2022 it was 772.
Meanwhile, hospitals are also contending with other seasonal viruses. Last week, an average of 261 beds were occupied by patients suffering from diarrhoea, vomiting, or norovirus-like symptoms. This is notably lower than the 751 beds filled at this point in 2024.
Mixed Picture for Ambulance Handover Delays
The weekly report also provides data on pressures at hospital front doors. The proportion of patients arriving by ambulance who waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams was 30% last week. This represents a slight improvement from the 36% recorded in the same week of 2024.
Furthermore, delays of over an hour affected about 10% of ambulance handovers, equating to 9,580 patients. This is down from 16% the previous year, indicating some progress in managing this critical bottleneck.
Winter Pressures Begin to Bite
This inaugural winter report underscores the early strain being placed on the health service as the colder months set in. The stark rise in flu hospitalisations serves as a clear warning of the challenges ahead for NHS staff and resources.
While the data shows some positive movement on ambulance handover delays, the overall increase in seriously ill flu patients will intensify demand on already busy hospitals and their critical care units. Health officials will be monitoring these trends closely in the coming weeks.
