The National Health Service remains under intense pressure as a surge in seasonal flu cases coincides with a major walkout by doctors, leaving hospitals on 'high alert'.
Record Flu Hospitalisations Strain Services
New NHS England data reveals that flu patients in hospitals across England have reached a record level for this time of year. Last week, an average of 3,140 people were in hospital each day with flu, marking an 18% increase from the 2,660 patients recorded the previous week.
This figure starkly contrasts with previous years. At the same point in 2024, there were 2,629 flu patients, while in 2023 the number was a mere 648.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, stated: "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."
Regional Variations and Strike Action Impact
The burden is not evenly spread. The North West saw a welcome 4% decrease in flu patients, with daily averages falling from 403 to 386. However, all other English regions experienced significant rises:
- South West England: Up 40% (139 to 195 patients)
- Eastern England: Up 39% (207 to 287 patients)
- South East England: Up 33% (202 to 269 patients)
- North East England & Yorkshire: Up 21% (673 to 813 patients)
- London: Up 18% (408 to 484 patients)
- Midlands: Up 13% (627 to 706 patients)
This viral surge is unfolding as resident doctors in England entered the second day of a five-day strike on Thursday 18 December 2025, in an ongoing dispute over pay and jobs. This is the 14th round of such industrial action since 2023.
Professor Pandit warned: "Combined with the impact of strikes, a stream of winter viruses means many hospitals will be on high alert in the days ahead."
Critical Care and Norovirus Add to Pressure
The strain extends beyond general wards. Last week, 128 flu patients required critical care beds across England, up from 106 the week before and slightly higher than the 125 at this time last year.
Furthermore, hospitals are grappling with a rise in norovirus-like symptoms. An average of 427 beds were occupied daily last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting, a 21% jump from 354 the previous week.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commented: "Flu continues to put significant strain on the NHS, with record numbers of patients in hospital... The BMA’s regrettable decision to pursue strike action at this critical moment is piling on the pressure." Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has labelled the strikes "dangerous and utterly irresponsible."
In a bid to resolve the deadlock, healthcare leaders have urged both the British Medical Association and the Government to enter external mediation. The conciliation service Acas has confirmed it is "well prepared and ready to help with the dispute."
Despite the immense pressure, NHS officials have stressed that people should continue to come forward for care when needed. They have also reiterated the importance of getting a flu jab for protection in the new year.
