The United Kingdom is grappling with an intense flu outbreak that had hospitalised over 5,000 people by the end of December.
On Friday, the National Health Service 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.
