Flu: Leeds hospitals "really busy" as cases of winter viruses soar

The nation is experiencing an early surge in flu this year, with an average of 1,717 flu patients in beds in England each day last week, including 69 in critical care, according to the first of this year’s NHS winter situation reports.

This is 56 per cent higher than the equivalent numbers for the same week in 2024, when the total was 1,098 with 39 in critical care.

Separate figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show the rate of hospital admissions for flu stood at 7.8 per 100,000 people last week, up sharply from 4.8 the previous week and almost double the rate at this point last year (4.4).

Admission rates were highest among people aged 85 and over, at 40.0 per 100,000; 75-84 year-olds (21.4); and children aged four and under (21.2).

Dr Magnus Harrison, Chief Medical Officer at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said:

“Flu season started earlier than usual this year, and we have seen a steady rise in cases across the region. Our hospitals are really busy at the moment, and flu is just one of the things adding to that.

“We’re keeping a close eye on demand every day and doing what we can with staffing and capacity to make sure our patients continue to get safe, high-quality care.

“All of our colleagues are offered a flu vaccination and uptake at Leeds Teaching Hospitals has been strong again this year. Patients and visitors may also notice more of our colleagues wearing masks as an extra precaution to protect our patients and each other.

“People who are normally fit and well can become unwell with flu so, if you’re eligible, please do get your flu vaccination. It’s still the best protection available, and for this reason we offer our longer stay hospital patients a flu vaccination too.”

The NHS situation report also shows that 30 per cent of patients arriving by ambulance at hospitals in England last week waited at least 30 minutes to be handed over to A&E teams.