Flu Hospital Admissions Surge 70% in England as 'Quad-demic' Concerns Grow

Rising cases of flu, norovirus, RSV, and fears of a COVID-19 increase strain NHS resources, prompting urgent vaccination calls.

Hospitalizations for flu in England have jumped 70% in a week, with an average of 1,861 patients per day, including 66 in critical care.
Flu cases are over four times higher than this time last year, with children aged 5 to 14 currently the most affected group.
Rising cases of norovirus and RSV, along with concerns about a potential COVID-19 spike, have led to warnings of a 'quad-demic' this winter.
Vaccination uptake for flu and COVID-19 is lower than last year, with health officials urging at-risk groups to get vaccinated immediately.
NHS England reports record demand in A&E and ongoing challenges with waiting lists, though some progress has been made in reducing long-term waits.