The number of norovirus patients in hospital beds in England rose by 35% in a week, to an average of 354 each day last week, NHS England said in its winter figures published on 11 December 20251. The same release reported that an average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week, which it described as the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% on the previous week1.
NHS England said the flu total was enough to fill more than three whole hospital trusts, and that the figure had already increased sharply since the week covered by the data, with no peak in sight1. Demand on other services was also reported as high: A&E attendances were a record for November at 2.35 million, more than 30,000 higher than November 2024, and there were 48,814 more ambulance incidents than the previous year (802,525 against 753,711)1. The average ambulance response time for Category 2 emergencies including strokes and heart attacks was 32 minutes 46 seconds, almost 10 minutes faster than in October 20241.
The release also gave waiting list and testing figures. The NHS waiting list in October rose slightly by 6,002 to 7.40 million, an estimated 6.24 million patients, but remained lower than a year earlier when it stood at 7.54 million1. 2.62 million checks and tests were performed in October, the highest on record1. On vaccination, more than 17.4 million people had been vaccinated against flu so far this year, over 170,000 more than at the same point last year, and over 60,000 more frontline healthcare workers had had their flu vaccination than at a similar time last year1.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said:
"With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year, with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients."
Why it matters for households
The figures cover hospital patients in England and were published by NHS England on 11 December 20251. Norovirus spreads easily between people, and the norovirus guide sets out the symptoms, how long it lasts and how spreading is stopped; the health emergencies hub covers wider health incidents.
NHS England said thousands of resident doctors are set to strike from 17 to 22 December, which it said raised fears of major disruption for patients ahead of Christmas1. During the industrial action it advised the public to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes unless they have been contacted to reschedule, and to use 111 online as the first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues so they can be directed to the best place for their needs1. It said patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or come forward to A&E as normal1. The NHS is urging anyone eligible to get their flu vaccination to help prevent them getting seriously ill1. Professor Pandit said that with just a week left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day, anyone eligible for the vaccine should book an appointment or visit a walk-in site as soon as possible1.
What happens next
The industrial action by resident doctors begins at 7am on Wednesday 17 December and runs for five days, to 22 December1. NHS England said the flu total has already risen sharply since the week covered by the data and that no peak is in sight1.
Norovirus Symptoms and Spreading
