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Flu hospitalisations in England have risen far ahead of last year’s levels, pointing to a more intense winter season for the NHS , according to new data from the service’s first winter situation report.

Average daily flu occupancy reached 1,717 patients last week, a 56% increase on the same week in 2024, when hospitals recorded 1,098 patients, including 39 in critical care. This year, 69 patients required intensive care - a near-doubling from last winter.

The upward trend is also stark when viewed across multiple years. Flu admissions at this point in 2023 stood at 243, and in 2022 the figure was 772, meaning current levels are the highest early-season total in at least four years.

Not all winter illnesses are following the same trajectory. Beds occupied by adul

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