Festive season gatherings are leading to a flood of cases.
NHS England has issued an urgent warning to people across the country as this month has seen a rise in virus cases due to festive gatherings.
Data shows that flu bed occupancy has already surpassed last year’s peak, with hospitalisations due to a virus rising by 41% in the last week.
The increase in cases has been attributed to family gatherings in the lead-up to Christmas, with children finishing school and thousands set to finish up work this weekend before the holidays.
Some hospitals in Wales are urging people to stay away, suggesting that people look at non-urgent care services such as minor injury units, GPs and pharmacies instead.
New data shows that infections are four times higher than the same time last year.
An average of 2,629 flu patients were in beds in England each day last week, and 125 of these were in a critical condition.
This is up 41% from a total of 1,861 patients the previous week, when 66 were in critical care beds.
NHS England’s top doctor Sir Stephen Powis has told the Mirror that the NHS is facing a “tidal wave of flu”.
Professor Powis said: “As children finish school and friends and families congregate over the Christmas period we expect viruses to continue to spread so if you haven’t got your flu jab and are eligible please come forward, and the public should think twice about seeing loved ones if they are seriously unwell.”
Saffron Cordery, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, added that there had been “no let-up” for health services as flu and other infections continue to take their toll.
“The situation is likely to get worse before it gets better with viruses expected to spread further as schools close for Christmas and festive gatherings get into full swing,” she said.
This month’s rise in virus-related patients is the highest number of admissions for this time of year than since 2021.
