While the rate of increase in flu hospital admissions slows, NHS leaders caution the health service is "nowhere near out of the woods." Overall, the number of people in hospital with influenza remains exceptionally high for December, creating intense and sustained pressure across the country.
For the week ending mid-December, an average of 3,140 people a day were in hospital with flu. Although the week-on-week rise of 18% is slower than previous increases, this figure represents the highest daily figure recorded at this time of year. Regional data is mixed. Some areas, like the North West, report small week-on-week falls, suggesting an early plateau. Conversely, other regions, including the East of England and South West, continue to see double-digit percentage increases. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirms that influenza levels begin to stabilise, but stresses that rates are at record-high seasonal levels and have not yet peaked nationally. The 'stabilisation' is relative to recent exponential growth (which saw admissions rise by over 50% in prior weeks), not a return to normal activity.
The challenge is broader than just flu, with multiple factors complicating hospital operations. Overlapping waves of norovirus, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to circulate alongside flu, meaning more people occupy beds and staff are stretched thin. The ongoing five-day strike by resident doctors exacerbates staff shortages and risks adding to delays, deferred care, and operational strain, despite maintaining emergency services. High positivity rates in school-aged children (five to 14) suggest strong community transmission, while admissions in older, higher-risk age groups also climb.
Despite delivering millions of vaccinations, high uptake has not sufficiently curbed hospital demand. This year's flu season is unusual, surging earlier and reaching record levels in late autumn, contributing to the persistent crisis. NHS England’s national medical director, Professor Meghana Pandit, confirmed the service remains on "high alert." The core message for providers and patients is clear: even with slowing growth, absolute admission levels are critically high and keep hospitals under intense stress. Flu remains a serious and continuing challenge heading into the New Year.
