Flu surge strains NHS as hospitalisations reach record levels amid ongoing doctor strikes

England is facing a steep flu surge as hospital admissions climb to record levels, compounding pressure from winter viruses and a nationwide strike by resident doctors. Surveillance data show flu hospital admissions rose nearly a fifth in the past week, with more than 3,100 flu patients occupying hospital beds on each day of the week ending December 14. Of those, 128 were in critical care — up about 20% from the previous week. The regional picture is uneven: south-east England reported a 33% rise, the north-east and Yorkshire a 21% increase, and London an 18% rise. By the time of the latest update, England’s flu tally for 2024 stood at 2,629 patients, compared with 648 at the same point in 2023. NHS England’s chief executive said the numbers are still evolving, adding that flu admissions “might be starting to settle in some parts of the country,” though authorities warned the situation remains fragile as the NHS battles concurrent winter viruses and staffing pressures.

A separate UK Health Security Agency update said flu cases are now starting to stabilise in some parts of the country, but hospitals remain on high alert. Norovirus — another winter illness driving patient consultations and cancellations — remains elevated, up about a fifth from the prior week. Health officials stressed that, despite any slowing in flu, the NHS is not out of the woods yet and that public protection measures remain crucial as the system endures peak-period demand.

The surge comes as the country braces for ongoing industrial action by junior doctors, who began a five-day walkout over pay and working conditions. It marks the 14th round of strike action since 2023 as representatives seek a 26% pay rise. The British Medical Association has rejected calls to enter arbitration, and health leaders warned that as many as 70,000 operations and appointments could be cancelled between now and the end of the strike. Officials emphasised that patients should continue to seek urgent NHS care as needed and to get vaccinated if eligible. Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said some parts of the country may see relief from the day-to-day flu surge while emphasising that the overall situation remains precarious because of strikes and other winter viruses. “If you need urgent help, dial 999 in an emergency, or use NHS 111 for other care needs,” she said, adding that vaccination remains a key tool and it’s not too late to get a flu jab. Health secretary Wes Streeting noted that flu continues to put significant strain on frontline services, but also highlighted improvements in ambulance handovers versus last year and thanked NHS staff for maintaining care during the peak period. He criticised the timing of the strike but said the NHS workforce has “responded brilliantly to keep the show on the road” and pledged that patient safety remains the focus. The opposition has called the situation dire, with critics warning of consequences for patients with cancer and other serious conditions who rely on timely treatment during the disruption.

The latest NHS data show admissions rose most sharply in certain parts of the country, with nine trusts reporting flu admissions more than doubling in a week. University Hospitals Birmingham again logged the highest number of flu hospitalisations, averaging 249 beds occupied last week, followed by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust at 107 beds and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals and Barts Health NHS Trust at 103 and 101 beds respectively. Hospital staff absences also rose, with absenteeism up by more than 1,100 in a week and up 4,500 (nine percent) compared with the same week two years ago. Authorities said the resilience of the NHS would be tested as the year-end rush and winter viruses continue to strain capacity.

Public health messaging has been stepped up to encourage vaccination for eligible groups, including children, to shield vulnerable populations and reduce hospital admissions. More than 18 million vaccines have now been administered in England, about 306,000 more than at the same point last year. While officials have urged the public to protect themselves, Streeting asserted that there is no need for a broad mask-wearing mandate “at this stage.”

UKHSA laboratory data show that flu activity remained around similar levels week over week, with about 10.3 hospital admissions per 100,000 people last week, essentially unchanged from 10.2 per 100,000 the prior week. Admissions remain highest among people aged 85 and older. About one-third of all samples tested at GP surgeries were positive for flu, with the majority of cases attributed to the H3N2 strain, which has been linked to higher illness severity in older adults. The agency noted that the H3N2 subclade K — sometimes described in media reports as a “super flu” — circulated widely and continued to drive cases.

As the winter persists, officials stress the importance of vaccination, staying home when ill, and seeking care for urgent health needs without delay. Health leaders emphasised that while vaccination campaigns and public health steps help, the combination of flu, norovirus and staffing challenges requires continued vigilance from hospitals and the public alike. The government has signalled a willingness to adapt measures as the year progresses, with safety-net protocols in place to protect patient care during periods of high demand.