The NHS has turned a corner into “calmer waters” as the number of hospital admissions for flu falls, health officials have said.

Hospitals “remain extremely busy” during the winter period, bosses warned, as the UK Health Security Agency issued a nationwide amber alert for dropping temperatures this week.

There were 3,061 people in hospital due to the flu in the week ending December 21, down from 3,140 in the previous week.

Despite the fall in cases, hospitals remain extremely busy with 95 per cent of beds filled, equating to 94,118 patients in hospital each day.

Health officials have warned that the NHS is “not out of danger” yet, as winter viruses are still circulating, and are urging the public to continue to come forward for vaccinations to help mitigate any further spread of Covid and flu.

There were, on average, 707 patients in bed with Covid each day in the week before Christmas, in addition to 285 patients in hospital with norovirus.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England’s national medical director, thanked staff for providing care under “extraordinary pressure” this winter. She added: “While there are signs of improvement and the NHS is in calmer waters, pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high and we’re not out of danger yet with temperatures set to drop in the coming days.

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“As the incredibly busy winter continues and hospitals clearly experience intense pressure, please do continue to use 999 and A&E only in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions.

“If you haven’t had your flu jab yet and are eligible, please come forward — it’s not too late.”

So far, almost 18.5 million people have been vaccinated against the flu — half a million more than in the same week last year.

Ambulance handover times have also drastically improved, with emergency vehicles responding 17 minutes faster than this time last year, and six minutes faster than the week prior.

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, said that “preparation is paying off” this winter. “By modernising the NHS — with strong clinical leadership, embracing digital tools and putting more power in the hands of local leaders — ambulance handover times are down on last year and more patients are getting the care they need, when they need it,” he added.

“Alongside this, we have delivered more than half a million more flu jabs this year compared to the last — but we are not out of the woods yet, with flu continuing to be a challenge.”

He said: “NHS staff at every level are working extremely hard to deliver the best care possible in the face of ongoing pressures. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to patients have been evident throughout the Christmas period. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help keep the show on the road during a very challenging winter.”