The latest NHS data shows which areas are worst affected – see if your local hospital is under pressure
Anders Anglesey and Fiona Callingham Lifestyle writer
08:21, 16 Dec 2025
Hospitals are dealing with a super flu nightmare, which some officials branded a “tidal wave of flu”(Image: Getty)
Health officials have warned of a “tidal wave of flu” driving up hospital admissions throughout the UK. Check how your local area is affected with an interactive map.
NHS statistics indicate a sharp rise in flu-related hospitalisations, with concerns raised about potential disruption on hospital wards throughout the Christmas period. Recent figures, released before Thursday’s forthcoming update, revealed that approximately 2,660 people were being admitted to hospital with influenza daily last week – marking an unprecedented level for this stage of the year.
This constituted a 55 per cent jump from the previous week, whilst ambulance callouts also climbed to 48,814 compared with last year’s figures. As reported by The Mirror, the H3N2 flu strain has evolved into a more aggressive variant, raising concerns it may place additional burden on the NHS as relatives come together for Christmas celebrations.
This year’s flu outbreak compared to previous ones
This year’s flu outbreak compared to previous ones(Image: The Mirror)
Specialists from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have cautioned that this new variant could, in exceptionally rare instances, prove fatal to otherwise well children through complications including sepsis. And healthcare settings may face heightened pressure over the festive period as junior doctors have approved a five-day walkout in England.
The spike in infections has been partially attributed to the influenza season commencing roughly a month earlier than during the previous three years. Dr Ed Hutchinson, a professor of Molecular and Cellular Virology at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Virus Research, previously spoke to the Mirror about the new strain’s acquisition of several new mutations.
“In temperate climates influenza is mainly a winter illness, caused by three types of influenza virus – H3N2, H1N1 and influenza B virus,” he explained. “They all continually acquire mutations which mean that our immunity against them goes out of date.
“At the end of this year’s flu season in the southern hemisphere (i.e. our summer) the H3N2 strain of the virus suddenly acquired seven new mutations. This is a lot more than normal, and it meant that when the flu season took off in the northern hemisphere we had less protection than normal against the H3N2 component of seasonal flu.”
Trusts with highest flu patients
Trusts with highest flu patients(Image: The Mirror)
The severity of flu symptoms can be mitigated through vaccination. People aged 65 and above, those with pre-existing conditions, and their caregivers are strongly encouraged to receive a seasonal vaccine.
It can take up to 14 days for the effects to manifest. The flu typically spreads when infected individuals interact with larger groups.
Flu hotspots
In a recent NHS England update, Health and Social Care secretary Wes Streeting commented: “There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals.”