A dramatic surge in seasonal illness has thrust the NHS into what leaders describe as a “worst-case scenario” for December, as cases of the super flu and other winter viruses rise sharply across the country.
New data shows that hospitals are entering the busiest stretch of winter already under extreme strain, with no sign that the current wave has reached its peak.
Commenting on the crisis, Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals.
“We are working with the NHS to make sure it can cope with this as best as possible, including already getting over 17 million patients vaccinated, 170,000 more than this time last year, with over 60,000 more NHS staff also getting their jab.”
Record flu hospitalisations signal early winter crisis
The number of people hospitalised with flu has soared at an unprecedented rate, climbing by more than half in just seven days.
Last week, an average of 2,660 patients per day required a hospital bed due to flu, the highest figure ever recorded at this point in the year and a 55% increase on the previous week.
Health officials say the rise is steep enough to fill more than three typical NHS hospital trusts every single day. With leaders confirming that the figures have risen even further since the data was collected, pressure on bed capacity is intensifying rapidly.
Norovirus, another major winter threat, is also spreading fast. Hospitals recorded an average of 354 patients per day with the vomiting bug last week – a 35% jump that is already causing ward disruption.
A&E and ambulances buckle under record demand
The explosion in super flu cases comes as emergency services are already battling soaring demand.
New monthly statistics show A&E attendances hit 2.35 million in November, the highest ever for the month and more than 30,000 higher than in November 2024.
Ambulance services are seeing a similar pattern, recording 48,814 more incidents 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, almost ten minutes faster than the previous month, at 32 minutes 46 seconds.
NHS urges flu vaccinations as strike action looms
With winter viruses spreading aggressively, the NHS is urging all eligible people to get their flu vaccination as soon as possible. So far, 17.4 million people have received the jab – around 170,000 more than this time last year.
Frontline staff uptake is also climbing, with over 60,000 more healthcare workers vaccinated compared to the same point in 2024.
The plea comes ahead of five days of industrial action by resident doctors, scheduled from 17–22 December.
NHS leaders warn the strike will add further strain during an already critical period. Patients are advised to attend planned appointments unless they have been told otherwise.
Streeting added: “The offer I have made to the BMA would help solve the jobs problem resident doctors are facing, and bring an end to strike action this Christmas, which is the most dangerous time of year.
“I urge resident doctors not to inflict further damage on the NHS, vote for this deal, and call off the Christmas strikes.”
Huge diagnostic demand and rising waiting lists
Despite the growing pressures, hospitals managed to deliver a record number of diagnostic checks in October.
More than 2.62 million tests were completed – the most ever recorded and over 100,000 more than the previous month.
Meanwhile, the NHS waiting list edged up slightly to 7.4 million, though it remains lower than a year ago.
How the public can help
During strike periods and throughout the winter surge, the NHS is encouraging the public to:
- Use 111 online for urgent but non-life-threatening issues.
- Continue to call 999 or attend A&E in an emergency.
- Get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness from the super flu and other winter infections.
As the coldest months approach, the health service is preparing for a difficult winter – one already defined by record-breaking demand, fast-spreading viruses, and an unfolding super flu season with no clear peak in sight.
