The United Kingdom is grappling with an intense flu outbreak that has seen over 5,000 patients hospitalised by the end of December.

The National Health Service (NHS) on Friday reported an average of 4,469 flu-related hospitalisations daily in the week leading up to December 29, a nearly 3.5-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023.

On Christmas Day, 4,102 patients were in hospital with flu, rising sharply to 5,074 by December 29.

This marks a dramatic quadrupling of cases since November 29, when hospitalisations stood at 1,190.

Adding to the strain, hospitals are also dealing with high numbers of norovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus cases.

Critical care units reported an average of 211 flu patients per day, while norovirus and RSV cases remain significantly higher than last year.

The NHS has implemented measures to manage the surge, including adding 1,300 extra beds and improving coordination centres.

A record 15,094 patients were discharged on Christmas Eve, representing a 40 per cent increase over the previous week’s average.

According to the BBC, the National Clinical Director for urgent and emergency care, Julian Redhead, highlighted the continued pressure from flu, COVID-19, RSV, and other viruses.

He urged people to take precautions and use NHS resources wisely, particularly as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.

He said the figures show “the pressure from flu was nowhere near letting up before we headed into the new year, skyrocketing to over 5,000 cases a day in hospital as of the end of last week and rising at a very concerning rate”.

“With what looks like an extreme cold snap expected right across England ahead of the weekend, we know the low temperatures can be dangerous for those who are vulnerable or have respiratory conditions,” he added. (THISDAY)