The NHS has issued a stark warning over a severe and escalating flu outbreak this winter, releasing new figures described as being of 'deepest concern'.
Unprecedented Hospitalisation Rates
Data reveals that there are currently 56 per cent more people in hospital with flu compared to the same period last year. Last week saw an average of 1,717 patients in hospital beds each day due to flu, marking the highest number on record for this time of year.
This staggering figure is ten times higher than the 160 patients recorded in the equivalent week of 2023 and more than 50% above the 1,098 seen last year. The pressure on emergency services is also intensifying, with ambulances handing over 99,000 patients to hospitals in the past week alone—an increase of 4,500 on the previous year.
System Under Severe Strain
The NHS has stated there is 'no peak in sight' for the flu wave, compounding worries as the health service contends with planned industrial action. The volume of calls to NHS 111 has surged in parallel, with 11,338 more calls taken in a week this year compared to the same week in 2024.
Professor Julian Redhead, National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, expressed grave concerns. "Today’s numbers confirm our deepest concerns: the health service is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter," he said. "Cases are incredibly high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet."
Calls for Public Action and Political Tensions
Health leaders are urging the public to help manage the crisis. Professor Redhead advised using NHS 111 online or by phone for non-life-threatening care, reserving A&E and 999 for serious emergencies. He strongly encouraged all eligible individuals to get their flu jab to ensure maximum immunity ahead of Christmas.
The situation has ignited political debate, with Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting criticising the timing of upcoming strikes by the British Medical Association (BMA). "This progress is being put in real jeopardy by the BMA’s leadership, whose reckless behaviour to time industrial action at the height of winter, will put more patients at risk," he stated.
Despite the immense pressure, the government maintains that earlier winter planning has led to some improvements, such as faster ambulance response times compared to last year. However, the confluence of record flu cases and industrial action threatens to push NHS staff close to breaking point in the coming weeks.
