Hospital admissions for influenza across England have climbed to a new record level for this time of year, with thousands of new patients requiring treatment each day, according to the latest NHS winter performance figures.
Record Flu Numbers Fill Hospital Beds
The statistics show that an average of 3,140 flu patients were occupying hospital beds each day last week. This marks a significant 18% increase from the 2,660 patients recorded the week before. The current figure is substantially higher than the same period in previous years, standing at 2,629 last year and just 648 in 2023.
While the rate of growth has slowed, the total number of people in hospital with flu continues to rise. The peak from last winter saw 5,408 patients, slightly below the record 5,441 set during the 2022/23 season, which was the highest level since the pandemic.
Pressure on Critical Care Services
The strain on intensive care units is also intensifying. Last week, 128 flu patients were receiving treatment in critical care beds in England. This is an increase from 106 the previous week and is also slightly higher than the 125 patients in critical care at this point last year.
Norovirus Adding to Winter Pressures
Separately, hospitals are contending with a surge in cases of diarrhoea, vomiting, and norovirus-like symptoms. An average of 427 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with these conditions, representing a 21% weekly jump from 354.
However, this number remains lower than the figure for the equivalent week in 2024, when 711 beds were occupied by patients with these symptoms. The combined pressure from flu and norovirus is presenting a significant challenge to NHS services as the winter period progresses.
The data was released as part of the NHS's regular weekly snapshot, which monitors the performance of hospitals in England throughout the winter months.
