The NHS has reported a significant 41% increase in flu hospitalizations in England over the past week, with numbers now exceeding four times the figures recorded at the same time last year. Current data reveals an average of 2,629 flu patients occupying hospital beds each day last week, with 2,504 in general or acute (G&A) beds and 125 in critical care units.
Comparative Analysis of Flu Trends
This alarming rise in flu cases marks a substantial increase from the 1,861 patients reported the previous week, where 1,795 were in G&A beds and 66 were in critical care. The comparison is stark against the figures from the same period in 2023, which saw a total of 648 flu patients, and is also higher than the 2022 numbers, which averaged 2,088 for the equivalent week.
Weekly Hospital Performance Snapshot
These figures are part of the latest weekly performance snapshot of hospitals in England this winter, highlighting the growing impact of flu on the healthcare system. This ongoing surge in flu cases is putting additional pressure on hospital resources and staff, emphasizing the severity of this year’s flu season.
