NHS England published its first weekly winter situation report on 4 December 2025, showing that an average of 1,717 patients were in a hospital bed every day in the previous week because of flu. The figure is the highest on record for this time of year, and the NHS warned there is no sign of cases peaking yet1.
The report states that cases were 10 times higher than in the same week in 2023 (160) and more than 50% higher than last year (1,098)1. The weekly reports track pressures on the NHS over winter, and this is the first of the series for 2025-261.
Other figures in the same report:
| Measure | Figure | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Same week, 2023 | 160 | Cases 10 times higher this year |
| Same week last year | 1,098 | More than 50% higher this year |
| Flu jabs delivered | 16,905,349 (almost 17 million) | 350,000 more than this time last year |
| Ambulance handovers at hospitals (last week) | 99,000 | 4,500 more than the same week last year |
| Ambulance handover times | Almost 10 minutes faster than last year | NHS describes this as a sign winter preparation is working |
| NHS 111 calls | 11,338 more than the same week last year | Not reported |
The NHS said the rise in flu cases is set to coincide with industrial action which could see thousands of resident doctors walking out1. Prof Julian Redhead, National Medical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care, said:
"Today's numbers confirm our deepest concerns: the health service is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter. Cases are incredibly high for this time of year and there is no peak in sight yet."
The report also states that nearly all (98.7%) GP practices offer online consultation requests, with 8 million people benefitting in October, and that pharmacies give patients access to support, including prescription-only medicines, for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache1. It says more urgent treatment centres have been opening across England1.
Why it matters for households
The report covers pressures on NHS services in England during winter. Prof Redhead said that for non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct them to the most appropriate place, and that A&E and 999 should be used for life threatening conditions and serious injuries1. He also said that with just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, anyone eligible should come forward to get their jab1. The report does not set out which groups are eligible for a free flu jab; that has not been reported here.
The health emergencies hub covers wider health alerts and how households can prepare.
What happens next
The weekly situation reports will continue to be published through winter, tracking pressures on the NHS1. The report does not give dates for the industrial action or for when flu cases are expected to peak; neither has been reported1.
