Overview
- England’s first winter situation report shows an average of 1,717 flu patients in hospital each day last week, including 69 in critical care, up 56% year on year with no peak yet reported.
- UKHSA surveillance indicates rapid growth, with test positivity rising to 17.1% and influenza admissions increasing to 7.79 per 100,000 people for Nov 24–30.
- NHS leaders urge vaccination and advise those who feel unwell to wear a face mask or stay home, as several trusts reintroduce mask rules in high‑risk areas.
- Regions report mounting operational strain, with London flu hospitalisations triple last year’s level and Greater Manchester seeing high bed occupancy, heavier NHS 111 demand, and busy A&Es.
- The BMA’s junior doctors’ strike set for Dec 17–22 is flagged as a major risk during rising demand, as uneven vaccine uptake in at‑risk groups leaves many people vulnerable.