Health secretary Wes Streeting has warned “we are not out of the woods yet”, flu cases have spiked following Christmas and New Year gatherings.
Figures published today show that the number of patients in hospital beds with flu has risen by 9 per cent on the previous week to 2,924, following two weeks where that number had fallen.
Norovirus and Covid figures have also increased, with the average number of patients in hospital up on the pervious week.
Overall bed occupancy was up 5 per cent on the previous week at just under 92 per cent.
“Today’s data shows we are not out of the woods yet. While the NHS is better prepared and performing more strongly than this time last year thanks to the tireless work of staff, the current cold snap is putting fresh pressure on frontline services,” Mr Streeting said.
“Flu can be serious, particularly for older people, young children and those with underlying conditions, and vaccination remains the best protection. I urge everyone who is eligible to get their flu jab as soon as possible.
“By acting now, we can help keep people out of hospital, support our NHS staff through the toughest weeks of winter, and ensure emergency care is there for those who need it most.”
It comes after data in December suggested the UK could face the worst flu season in decades. In the first week of December 1,717 patients were admitted to hospitals in England with the infection, up 56 per cent on the same week in 2024, according to NHS England.
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