Hospitals in England are “on high alert” after the number of patients in hospital with flu reached 3,140 at the end of last week, according to NHS England. It is the highest figure ever recorded for this time of year and up 18% on the week before. The data suggests the rise in cases may be slowing, following a jump of more than 50% the week before. 

Hospital cases fell by 4% over the past week in the North West. However, they rose by 39% in the East of England and 40% in the South West. England’s top doctor warned the health service is “not out of the woods yet”. Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “While some parts of the country will be breathing a sigh of relief with flu cases not rising as quickly as feared, we are nowhere near out of the woods yet.

“Combined with the impact of strikes, a stream of winter viruses means many hospitals will be on high alert in the days ahead.”

At this point last year the number stood at 2,629 patients, while in 2023 it was just 648. Weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients last winter and reached 5,441 over the winter of 2022/23, the highest level since the pandemic.

More than 18 million people have received a flu vaccine this year, 306,000 more than at the same point last year.

Meanwhile, an average of 427 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 21% from 354 the previous week. However, this was lower than at the same point in 2024, when the figure stood at 711.

Around 94% of hospital beds are occupied and A&Es are also experiencing the usual surge in demand during winter.

The NHS is also currently dealing with the added pressure of a strike by resident doctors, who have walked out for five days over pay.

Members of the British Medical Association (BMA) voted overwhelmingly to go ahead with the industrial action despite being branded “irresponsible” and “reckless” by the Government.

The disruption is set to continue until doctors return to shifts at 7am on Monday.

Prof Pandit added: “It remains vital that people continue to come forward for NHS care as normal. 

“If you need urgent help, dial 999 in an emergency, or use NHS 111 for other care needs. And if you are eligible, please come forward for a jab, it’s not too late.”