Overview
- NHS England reports an average of 2,660 flu patients in hospital each day last week, up from 1,717 the week before, with 106 in critical care and no clear peak yet.
- Multiple trusts have declared critical incidents as services face record early-season pressure, with London ambulance calls and winter virus activity rising.
- UKHSA says current flu vaccines still provide good protection against subclade K, and the NHS is urging rapid vaccination, noting jabs take up to 14 days to reach full effect.
- Public health advice includes considering face coverings when unwell, improving ventilation, practicing hand hygiene, and staying away from others if sick.
- Local outbreaks have caused temporary school closures and deep cleans, and projections reported by the NHS suggest hospital flu occupancy could reach thousands more beds if the surge continues.