Flu and other viruses pile pressure on NHS as waiting lists hit new high

The number of paediatric beds unavailable due to RSV is five times higher than the same week last year. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian

Viruses including flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the winter vomiting bug are putting extra pressure on the NHS in England in the first week of winter while waiting lists reached another record high in October.

With 7.2 million patients awaiting treatment, the Health Foundation charity said the health and care systems were “gridlocked” and put the safety and quality of patient care at risk.