England’s hospitals ‘hit hard with early festive flu season’ as cases rise

Health leaders warned the situation is ‘likely to get worse before it gets better’ (Jeff Moore/PA) - (PA Wire)

The number of people in hospital in England with flu has jumped 41% in a week and continues to be more than four times the number at this point last year, NHS figures show.

It comes as health leaders warned the situation is “likely to get worse before it gets better” as schools prepare to close for Christmas and festive gatherings take place.