Over 3,000 flu patients in hospital before Christmas as warning issuedFigures show a slight dip in the average daily number of beds occupied by flu patients – but England’s top doctor cautions ‘pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high’View 3 Images The Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, said flu was 'continuing to be a challenge'. ‌England’s top doctor said there were signs of "calmer waters” but cautioned “pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high”. (Image: NHS)‌Amber cold health alerts are issued when the forecast weather is "likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services". Newly-published NHS England figures show an average of 3,061 beds occupied by flu patients daily in the week ending December 21, down from 3,140 the week before. The numbers include an average of 117 flu patients a day in critical care beds in the week ending December 21, down from 128.

Source: Daily Mirror December 31, 2025 19:51 UTC