This year’s flu season started earlier than usual and is yet to reach a peak (Image: Getty )

The number of flu patients occupying hospital beds across England has reached unprecedented levels for this time of year. Healthcare authorities have cautioned that the NHS is preparing itself for an "unprecedented wave" of cases. People nationwide are being encouraged to prepare themselves for "incredibly high" flu infections and to receive their flu vaccination if they have not yet done so.

During the previous week, an average of 1,717 people suffering from flu occupied beds throughout England daily, with 69 requiring critical care, based on this year's initial NHS winter situation report. This represents a 56% increase compared to corresponding figures for the same period in 2024, when num

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