Hospitals on 'high alert' as flu cases rise 18% during doctors' strike

Credit: Getty Images/South_agency

By Claudia Tanner and Ella Pickover and Ian Jones, PA

Hospitals across England remain on "high alert" as new figures show flu hospitalisations at record levels for this time of year, compounding pressures from a five-day strike by resident doctors.

New data from the NHS reveals that an average of 3,140 flu patients were in hospital each day last week – up 18% from 2,660 the previous week and the highest number recorded for this time of year. The figure is nearly five times the 648 patients hospitalised at this point in 2023.

The strike, which began on Wednesday and continues until Monday morning, marks the 14th round of industrial action by resident doctors since 2023. Health officials said the combination of the newly released flu figures and ongoing industrial action means hospitals face significant operational challenges in the days ahead.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's national medical director, warned: "Combined with the impact of strikes, a stream of winter viruses means many hospitals will be on high alert in the days ahead."