The rise in flu cases coincides with potential strikes by doctors across the NHS in the run-up to Christmas

Health officials say "this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario" (Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)

The NHS is fighting one of the worst flu epidemics seen in decades, with health bosses warning that hospitals across England could become overrun before Christmas in a 'worst-case scenario'.

Flu cases have increased by 55% in a week, a record high for this time of year, with an average of 2,660 flu patients in hospital each day last week, according to NHS figures .

This represents a jump from 1,717 the previous week, as a "tidal wave" of ill health in the run-up to Christmas sweeps across the nation, with enough flu patients eac

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