NHS Sussex has reported there are currently 50 patients in Sussex hospitals with flu.
On December 7, there were 42 patients in general and acute hospital beds managed by University Hospitals Sussex and East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
There were also two patients in critical care beds under University Hospitals Sussex.
University Hospitals Sussex has asked staff and visitors to wear masks in adult and paediatric emergency departments, emergency floors and admission departments and wards where flu cases have been confirmed to kerb the spread.
It has also urged those who are eligible to get their flu vaccination.
Good hand hygiene is encouraged and avoiding visiting hospitals if you feel unwell.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said “there is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals” as figures showed an average of 2,660 flu patients were in hospital each day last week across the country, 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.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, warned the “unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year” and there was no peak in sight.
Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said the “flu-nami” was hitting the NHS but this was “a sadly familiar picture of a system under relentless strain”.
She added: “This week we have seen clinicians reviewing patients in waiting rooms due to lack of space, and cupboards used as temporary clinical areas – a new low for patient care standards.”
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