The number of people with flu in hospital in England has risen sharply over Christmas, NHS chiefs warn.
The latest data shows there were 5,000 patients in hospital with the virus at the end of last week – almost 3.5 times higher than the same week in 2023.
The levels are not as high as those reached in the same period in 2022.
The figures come as top doctors warn about the impact of very cold weather over this weekend on vulnerable patients and the health system.
Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These latest figures show the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the New Year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate.
“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions”.
Prof Redhead says people at risk should try and keep warm and make sure they are stocked up on any regular medication.
