The number of flu patients in hospital has risen across England for the sixth week in a row, figures released on Thursday morning show. Multiple hospitals declared or continued critical incidents this week, the highest NHS alert level, as the surge in respiratory cases overwhelmed accident and emergency departments.

NHS leaders have warned that the peak of the flu cycle has not yet hit, with February and March potentially worse for the health service.

Hospital trusts across the country are declaring critical incidents over a 246% surge in flu cases this winter, with some A&E departments saying they are busier than they'd ever been

The number of people with flu in hospital in England has quadrupled over the past month and is rising "at a very concerning rate", NHS chiefs have warned. Latest data shows there were 5,000 patients with the virus being treated in hospital at the end of last week - almost 3.5 times higher than the same week in 2023, although not as high as in 2022.

A top NHS doctor has warned the peak of the flu season is yet to come as hospitals wards across England are “full to bursting”. It comes as several NHS trusts declared critical incidents because of sustained pressure in A&E departments,

Hospital bosses have urged patients, staff and visitors to wear surgical face masks to combat a surge in flu cases. A spokesperson for Southmead Hospital in north Bristol said they have seen a "sharp rise" in flu and respiratory illness – particularly since the start of the year.