The number of hospital beds occupied by patients with flu has increased by 70% in a week, with norovirus, RSV and Covid-19 all forecast to rise

The number of hospital beds in England occupied by patients with flu has increased by 70% in a week, NHS England said, as it warned of a “tidal wave of flu hitting hospitals”.

Health leaders said that people eligible for their free flu jab should get vaccinated as soon as possible to avoid “festive flu”.