A new map shows how the H3N2 strain is hitting hospitals across the country as flu cases continue to soar and remain at a record level for this time of year
The number of individuals hospitalised in England with “super flu” continues to rise, reaching a record high for this time of year, according to the latest NHS figures. A new map reveals the impact of the H3N2 strain on hospitals nationwide, driving an unusually early and severe flu season due to “less natural immunity in the community”.
Data released this morning indicates an 18% increase from the previous week’s 2,660 cases. Last week saw an average of 3,140 patients hospitalised with the virus, marking a staggering 55% jump from the week prior.
Our interactive map provides insight into how NHS services in your area are coping.
Today’s news of an 18% increase suggests that the rate of case growth may be slowing. NHS England releases weekly updates on the number of flu patients in hospital.
At this point last year, the figure stood at 2,629 patients, while in 2023 it was just 648, reports the Mirror.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, commented: “With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, 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.
“The numbers of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year. Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead.”
Hospital admissions for flu patients reached 128 in critical care beds across England last week, rising from 106 the week before and marginally exceeding the 125 recorded at the same point last year.
During the previous winter, weekly flu figures for England peaked at 5,408 patients, whilst the 2022/23 winter saw numbers climb to 5,441 – the highest recorded since the pandemic began.
Authorities have previously issued warnings that UK hospitals are confronting a “tidal wave of flu” with concerns that doctors’ industrial action combined with post-Christmas pressures could create a devastating scenario for the NHS.
“The flu predictions look worrying…” one hospital chief previously told the Health Service Journal. “If they come through as predicted the second week of January could be carnage – a perfect storm of flu, post Christmas surge and the lag impact of [strikes].”
Health officials have warned that a ‘drifted’ flu variant, designated as A(H3N2) – or subclade K – has rapidly become the dominant influenza strain across the country.
The H3N2 subtype constitutes one of three main viruses causing seasonal flu. The health service is confronting a difficult period as it battles an unusually early flu season, with more individuals hospitalised with flu at this point in the year than previously recorded.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging all eligible individuals to receive their flu vaccination.
“Vaccines help protect those most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalized and we strongly encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible – vaccines remain our best defence,” the agency said.
Flu symptoms can emerge suddenly and include:
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or stomach pain
- nausea and vomiting
Meanwhile, today’s statistics also revealed that an average of 427 hospital beds were occupied daily last week by patients suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting or norovirus-like symptoms, representing a 21% increase from 354 the previous week.
This figure remains below the same period in 2024, when it reached 711.
These statistics form part of the most recent weekly overview of hospital performance across England during the winter months.
