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The NHS was bracing itself for an 'unprecedent wave' of infections as the number of people in hospital with flu in England hit record levels for this time of year.

An average of 1,717 beds were occupied by flu patients each day last week, including 69 in critical care.

The first of this year’s NHS winter situation reports stated this was 56 per cent higher than the equivalent numbers for the same week in 2024.

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Last winter, flu numbers peaked at 5,408 patients in early January, which was the highest weekly figure recorded since the Covid-19 pandemic.

However this year’s flu season started earlier than usual, and is yet to reach a peak.

Health officials have warned this could se

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