Flu Cases in England Hospitals Surge by 41% in a Single Week

Hospitalizations for flu are now over four times higher than this time last year, with health officials warning of worsening pressures from winter viruses.

• An average of 2,629 flu patients occupied hospital beds in England last week, including 125 in critical care, marking a 41% increase from the previous week.
• Flu hospitalizations are more than four times higher than at this point in 2023 and have already surpassed last year’s peak levels.
• Health leaders warn of a potential 'quad-demic' as flu, Covid-19, RSV, and norovirus cases rise, with festive gatherings expected to further spread infections.
• Flu vaccination rates are lower than last year for key groups, with only 36% of under-65s in clinical risk categories vaccinated so far.
• NHS staff face mounting pressure as full hospital beds, delays in ambulance handovers, and workforce challenges strain the healthcare system during the winter season.

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