Overview
- NHS England reports an average of 2,660 flu inpatients per day last week, up 55% week on week and a record for the period, with 106 patients in critical care and no clear peak yet.
- A drifted influenza A(H3N2) subclade K now dominates; health authorities say the vaccine still protects against severe illness, with more than 17.4 million people vaccinated so far.
- Hospitals describe severe capacity strain, including corridor care and makeshift clinical spaces, while several trusts have reinstated mask use in clinical areas and urged people who are unwell to stay away.
- Children are driving community transmission, with the highest positivity in 5–14 year olds, and some schools have closed or reintroduced precautionary measures due to widespread illness.
- Leaders warn capacity could be further tested by a five‑day resident doctors’ strike scheduled to start on December 17, with a government offer now under consideration by the union.