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Super flu news live: NHS faces 'worst-case scenario' as H3N2 strain sweeps UK
The number of people in hospital in England with flu remains at a record level for this time of year, according to new NHS figures.
Ellen ManningUpdated
Thu, December 11, 2025 at 12:04 PM UTC
The NHS is facing a "worst-case scenario" this month after a surge in flu cases, health officials have warned.
New figures show that the number of people in hospital in England with flu has jumped by 55% in a week and remains at a record level for this time of year.
An average of 2,660 flu patients were in hospital each day last week, up from 1,717 the previous week. At this point last year the number stood at 1,861 patients, while in 2023 it was just 402.
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NHS national medical director Professor Meghana Pandit warned on Thursday, 11 December: “This unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients.”
In addition, an average of 354 hospital beds were filled each day last week by patients with diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, up 35% from the previous week, leading to warnings that winter viruses are starting to "engulf hospitals".
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