Overview
- UKHSA reports the test positivity rate rose to 17.1% for Nov 24–30 from 11.6% a week earlier, with flu hospital admissions increasing from 4.78 to 7.79 per 100,000.
- NHS England says an average of 1,717 patients were in hospital beds each day last week with flu, the highest recorded for this point in winter and far above 2023 and 2024 levels.
- England’s top urgent and emergency care doctor says cases are exceptionally high for the time of year with no clear peak yet.
- Public-health advice urges eligible people to get vaccinated, to wear masks near vulnerable people or in crowded enclosed spaces, and to stay home if unwell.
- For non-life-threatening needs use NHS 111 or 111 online, reserve 999/A&E for emergencies such as severe breathing difficulty or sudden chest pain, with planned BMA resident doctor strikes on Dec 17–22 flagged as a further pressure risk.