NEWS
MEDIC MAG
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Surge in super flu cases plunges NHS into ‘worst case scenario’ before Christmas
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
11th Dec 2025 - The Independent
​​
Hospital bosses are warning the worst is yet to come as soaring super flu rates plunge the NHS into a “worst-case scenario” just days before the latest round of doctors’ strikes.
​
The number of people in hospital in England with flu is at a record high for this time of year, with numbers up 55 per cent in a week, new NHS figures show.
​
Health chiefs warned the “unprecedented wave” was pushing staff to the limit, and said the surge in admissions shows “just how dangerous the situation is getting across our NHS hospitals”.
​
It comes as Downing Street hit out at the British Medical Association, saying the doctors' union must reverse its “astounding” plans to strike and inflict “pain” on patients.
​
An average of 2,660 flu patients were in hospital each day last week, up from 1,717 the previous week. At this point last year, the number stood at 1,861 patients, while in 2023 it was just 402.
​
Weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients last winter and reached 5,441 over the winter of 2022-23, the highest level since the pandemic.
Get up to date information on the latest health news from the national papers and blogs by junior doctors and our favourite medical anecodtes.
-
MEDIC MAG The latest most relevant medical news article of the week.
-
WHAT THE BLOG? The best blogs posted by junior doctors
-
STORYBOARD Stories and anecdotes from doctors.
Doctor's Opinion Blog​​
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
H3N2: What This Winter’s Flu Season Could Look Like?
​​​​​​​
As we approach the colder months, flu season is once again becoming a topic of discussion across the UK. Health experts are raising awareness about the H3N2 strain of influenza, which is currently the most dominant strain circulating in England. While the virus has prompted warnings about potentially higher hospital admissions, understanding the facts can help the public and healthcare systems prepare effectively.
​
What Is H3N2?
H3N2 is a type of influenza virus identified by its surface proteins: haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). This strain can change from year to year, meaning that previous immunity or even vaccination may not provide complete protection. H3N2 is known to cause more severe illness in older adults and those with underlying health conditions, although most healthy adults and children usually experience manageable symptoms.
​
This year, the strain has evolved and developed several new mutations over the summer. Experts suggest this could make it somewhat different from previous versions included in seasonal vaccines, but vaccination remains the best available protection.