NHS England said on 4 December 2025 that an average of 1,717 patients were in a hospital bed every day in the previous week because of flu, the highest figure on record for that time of year, and warned that rising cases are set to coincide with industrial action by resident doctors1.
The figures, the first of the weekly winter pressure reports, show flu cases were 10 times higher than in the same week in 2023 (160) and more than 50 per cent higher than last year (1,098)1. NHS England said there is no sign of cases peaking yet, and that ballooning flu cases are set to coincide with industrial action which could see thousands of resident doctors walking out1. The BMA has not commented in the material published by NHS England.
Other pressures reported for the same week:
| Measure | Figure | Comparison with same week last year |
|---|---|---|
| Flu patients in hospital beds (daily average) | 1,717 | 1,098; 160 in 2023 |
| Flu jabs delivered | 16,905,349 | 350,000 more |
| Ambulance handovers at hospitals | 99,000 | 4,500 more |
| Ambulance handover times | almost 10 minutes faster | faster than last year |
| NHS 111 calls | 11,338 more | more than last year |
NHS England said 98.7 per cent of GP practices offer online consultation requests, with 8 million patients benefiting in October, and that pharmacies give patients access to support, including prescription-only medicines, for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache1.
"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."
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said the BMA's leadership had timed industrial action at the height of winter, which he said would put more patients at risk1. NHS England said the BMA has chosen to strike at a time when it will cause maximum disruption1.
Why it matters for households
The warning covers England. People needing non-life-threatening care are advised by Prof Redhead to call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct them to the most appropriate place, and to use A&E and 999 for life threatening conditions and serious injuries1. He urged anyone eligible to come forward for a flu jab, with just a couple of weeks left to ensure maximum immunity from flu for Christmas Day1. NHS England said pharmacies can provide prescription-only medicines for common conditions including sore throat, sinusitis and earache, and that urgent treatment centres have been opening across England for more serious cases1. Further detail on seasonal health pressures is set out in the guide to health emergencies.
What happens next
NHS England said the figures are the first of its weekly published reports tracking pressures on the NHS over winter1. The dates of the industrial action are not given in the material published by NHS England.
