Flu on the rise again after Christmas mixing, says NHS

Christmas gatherings may have caused a resurgence in flu and other winter viruses, NHS leaders say.

Figures show that the average number of patients in hospital beds in England with flu last week hit 2,924 - a rise of 9% on the previous week. This comes after two weeks of falls which prompted hope cases may have peaked.

NHS England said a combination of the vicious cold snap and winter viruses was making services "extremely busy" with hospitals reporting icy conditions have led to a rise in slips and falls and people struggling with respiratory conditions.

Concerns are also being raised about corridor care - where A&E patients are treated in make-shift areas because of a lack of beds.

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Source: BBC News, 8 January 2026