A dramatic spike in seasonal illnesses has left the NHS in what leaders described as a “worst-case scenario” in December, as cases of superflu and other winter viruses soar across the country.
New data shows hospitals are already under extreme strain, heading into their busiest period of winter, and there is no sign that the current wave will reach its peak.
Health and Human Services Secretary Wes Streeting said of the crisis: “A tsunami of influenza is hitting our hospitals.
“We are working alongside the NHS to ensure we manage this situation in the best way possible, including over 17 million patients who have already been vaccinated – 170,000 more than this time last year, and over 60,000 NHS staff who have also been vaccinated.”
Record number of influenza hospitalizations hints at early winter crisis
The number of people hospitalized with influenza has soared at an unprecedented pace, increasing by more than half in just seven days.
Last week, the number of patients requiring hospital beds due to influenza averaged 2,660 per day, a record high at this point this year and a 55% increase from the previous week.
Health officials say the increase is rapid enough to fill a typical NHS hospital trust with more than three cases each day. Leaders have seen this figure rise further since the data was collected, with pressure on hospital bed capacity rapidly increasing.
Norovirus, another major winter threat, is also spreading rapidly. Hospitals recorded an average of 354 patients a day with vomit worms last week, a 35% increase and already causing chaos on wards.
A&E and ambulances suffer record demand
The superflu outbreak comes as emergency services are already battling a surge in demand.
A&E admissions reached 2.35 million in November, a record high for the month and more than 30,000 more than in November 2024, new monthly figures show.
A similar trend was seen in the ambulance service, which saw an increase of 48,814 calls compared to the same month last year.
Despite the pressure, response times improved slightly. Crews reached Category 2 emergencies, including suspected strokes and heart attacks, in 32 minutes and 46 seconds, nearly 10 minutes faster than the previous month.
NHS calls for flu vaccination as strike looms
As the virus continues to rage this winter, the NHS is urging everyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible. 17.4 million people have received the jab so far, around 170,000 more than this time last year.
Inoculation rates among frontline staff are also increasing, with more than 60,000 healthcare workers expected to be vaccinated compared to the same point in 2024.
The petition comes ahead of a five-day industrial action by medical trainees scheduled for December 17th to 22nd.
NHS leaders have warned that the latest strike will add further strain to an already critical period. Patients are encouraged to attend their scheduled visits unless otherwise directed.
Mr Streeting added: “My recommendations to the BMA will help resolve the employment issues facing medical trainees and end the strike at the most dangerous time of the year, this Christmas.”
“I urge trainee doctors to vote in favor of this deal and call off their Christmas strike to prevent further damage to the NHS.”
Huge diagnostic demand and growing waiting list
Despite increased pressure, hospitals were able to carry out a record number of diagnostic tests in October.
More than 2.62 million tests have been completed, a record high and an increase of more than 100,000 from the previous month.
Meanwhile, the NHS waiting list rose slightly to 7.4 million people, but is still lower than a year ago.
How the public can help
During the strike period and during the winter surge, the NHS is encouraging people to:
For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, use online 111. If you have an emergency, please continue to call 999 or visit A&E. Get vaccinated to reduce your risk of serious illness from the super flu and other winter infections.
As the coldest season approaches, medical institutions are preparing for the harsh winter ahead. This winter has already been defined by record demand, a fast-spreading virus, and a superflu epidemic with no clear peak in sight.
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