Camilla Jessen
Data shows sharp rise in flu patients across England.
Hospitals across England are bracing for what health leaders describe as a “tidal wave of flu,” as cases linked to the aggressive H3N2 strain surge sharply.
The rise has left multiple regions facing pressure even before the outbreak reaches its expected peak.
Rapid rise in hospital cases
NHS England figures show an average of 2,660 patients in hospital with flu earlier this month — a 55% increase in just one week.
While most people recover at home with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medication, the current strain has driven a spike in people needing inpatient care.
Health officials warn that “the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead,” with demand expected to climb further through winter.
Cities hit hardest
Analysis by The Mirror shows the steepest increases in large cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds.
Birmingham recorded the highest number of flu-related hospitalizations in the week ending 7 December, admitting 217 patients. Manchester reported 109 cases, followed by Sheffield with 72 and Leeds with 65.
In London, Whittington Hospital and Homerton University Hospital ranked among the top five trusts with the highest percentage of flu patients.
NHS trusts with the highest flu burden
According to the data, the trusts reporting the largest proportion of inpatients with flu are:
- Whittington Health – 9%
- University Hospitals Birmingham – 8.4%
- Homerton Healthcare – 7.9%
- Northern Lincolnshire and Goole – 7.2%
- Dartford and Gravesham – 7.2%
- North Tees and Hartlepool – 6.7%
- The Hillingdon Hospitals – 6.4%
- Croydon Health Services – 6.4%
- Calderdale and Huddersfield – 6%
- East Cheshire – 5.9%
- University Hospitals of North Midlands – 5.8%
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals – 5.6%
- County Durham and Darlington – 5.5%
- Countess of Chester Hospital – 5.4%
- Bolton – 5.4%
- Northumbria Healthcare – 5.2%
- Barts Health – 5.2%
- Barnsley Hospital – 4.8%
- Manchester University – 4.8%
- Airedale Trust – 4.8%
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals – 4.7%
- Walsall Healthcare – 4.5%
Sources: NHS England; The Mirror; LadBible
