Hospitals across England are currently facing an unprecedented flu crisis, with admissions reaching record highs, prompting fears that the country is grappling with a 'national emergency'. Last week, flu hospital admissions surged by almost a fifth, with over 3,100 beds occupied daily by flu patients – the highest number ever recorded for this period. Critical care units were also heavily impacted, with 128 beds taken by flu patients, representing a fifth increase from the previous week. This alarming situation starkly contrasts with previous years, where only 2,629 patients were hospitalized with flu at this point in 2024, and a mere 648 in 2023.

Despite the severity, there are mixed signals regarding the trajectory of the outbreak. Sir Jim Mackie, NHS England chief executive, indicated that flu admissions "might be starting to settle in some parts of the country," a sentiment echoed by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which reported that flu cases are "now starting to stabilise." However, health officials remain cautious, emphasizing that the service is on "high alert" and "not out of the woods yet." This ongoing pressure is compounded by a simultaneous rise in norovirus cases, which are also up a fifth on the previous week.

Adding to the immense strain on the NHS is a five-day walkout by resident doctors, who commenced their industrial action over pay and working conditions. This marks their 14th round of strikes since 2023, as they pursue a 26 per cent pay rise, with the British Medical Association (BMA) having rebuffed calls for arbitration. The strike is projected to cause the cancellation of as many as 70,000 operations and appointments, leading to significant patient distress. Shadow health secretary Stuart Andrew highlighted the profound impact, sharing accounts of cancer patients expressing fears for their lives due to delayed treatment. Health secretary Wes Streeting criticized the BMA's decision to strike "at this critical moment," commending NHS staff for their efforts to "keep the show on the road."

The current spike in flu cases is largely attributed to the troublesome mutant H3N2 flu strain, dubbed subclade K or the 'super flu'. This strain has undergone seven mutations over the summer, enabling it to evade previous immunity and disproportionately affecting the elderly. Regional data reveals significant surges in admissions, including a 40 per cent rise in the South West, a 39 per cent rise in the East of England, 33 per cent in the South-east, 21 per cent in the North-east and Yorkshire, and 18 per cent in London. The North West was the only region to see a decline, with cases falling by four per cent, possibly due to higher vaccination rates and protective measures. Across England, 94 per cent of hospital beds are now occupied. University Hospitals Birmingham recorded the highest number of flu hospitalisations last week with 249 beds, followed by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (107 beds), Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (103 beds), Barts Health NHS Trust (101 beds), and University Hospitals of the North Midlands NHS Trust (76 beds). Nine specific trusts saw their flu admissions more than double in a single week.

In response to the crisis, political figures have voiced concerns and solutions. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey labeled the situation a "national emergency" and urged the Prime Minister to hold a COBRA meeting and fund widespread flu jabs in community venues. Health officials have consistently urged eligible individuals to come forward for their Covid and flu jabs since September, and an urgent plea was issued to parents to vaccinate their children to protect grandparents during Christmas. Over 18 million vaccines have been administered in England, exceeding last year's figures. While appealing to the public to get vaccinated, Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated there is "no need for a mask-wearing mandate at this stage." NHS advice emphasizes utilizing 999 for emergencies and NHS 111 for other care needs, alongside encouraging eligible individuals to get their jab.

Latest figures from UKHSA indicate that laboratory-confirmed reports of flu in England have stabilized around 21 per cent, with 10.3 hospital admissions per 100,000 people, broadly unchanged from the previous week. Admissions remain highest among people over the age of 85. Worryingly, more than a third (36 per cent) of all samples tested at GP surgeries were positive for flu, largely driven by cases among school-aged children between five and 14 years-old. The widespread flu outbreak has also exacerbated hospital staff absences, which are up over 1,100 in a week, and 4,500 (nine per cent) higher than the same week two years ago, further straining an already stretched healthcare system.