UK Hospitals Face Severe Strain from Flu Surge and Cold Snap

Flu hospitalisations have quadrupled since December, with health services grappling with high demand, freezing temperatures, and additional winter viruses.

Flu admissions in England have risen by 17% in the past week, with over 4,469 patients hospitalised daily, including 211 in critical care.
The flu hospitalisation rate has reached 14.1 per 100,000 people, the highest this season and nearly double last winter's peak rate.
Hospitals are operating under critical incidents due to bed shortages, with some trusts warning of the potential for 'black alerts,' where patient safety cannot be guaranteed.
Additional winter pressures include higher-than-usual cases of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus, compounded by a forecasted cold snap with temperatures dropping to -10°C in some areas.
Health officials urge vulnerable individuals to get vaccinated, stay warm, and take precautions, as NHS staff face one of the most challenging winter periods in recent years.