Flu is increasing rapidly in hospitals in England

The number of people admitted to hospitals in England with flu has risen sharply over the Christmas period, NHS chiefs have warned.

The latest data shows there were 5,000 patients in hospital with the virus at the end of last week – almost 3.5 times more than the same week in 2023.

The levels are not as high as those reached in the same period in 2022.

The figures come as top doctors warned about the impact of this weekend’s extremely cold weather on vulnerable patients and the health system.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, said: “These latest figures show that the pressure of flu is not going to ease as we enter the new year, with hospital deaths per day The cases had increased by more than 5,000.” at the end of last week and is increasing at a very worrying rate.

“With extreme cold expected across England just before the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for people who are vulnerable or have respiratory problems”.

Professor Redhead says people at risk should try to keep themselves warm and make sure they have any regular medicines they need.