Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Health · 15 December 2025

Flu hospital cases rise sharply in UK.

Flu hospital cases rise sharply in UK.

Professor Devi Sridhar, Edinburgh University's global public health chair, has previously cautioned against labeling flu outbreaks with alarming terms while acknowledging legitimate NHS pressures. Recent data shows flu hospitalizations have surged 55% in one week, reaching record highs for this time of year. The H3N2 strain is driving most cases, though vaccines remain effective. Six hospitals have declared critical incidents as emergency departments face unprecedented demand, with one in five patients treated in corridors.

Reported by Channel 4 · How we write briefs

More briefs

HealthMan changes life after doctor warns liver disease could kill him HealthSweetener used in chewing gum and jam linked to strokes and heart attacks HealthMouth cancer rates up a third in UK, often with no obvious cause HealthBox breathing helps calm stress and reduce anxiety, say experts HealthNHS managers warn spiralling costs could disrupt ADHD and autism care HealthThousands of UK women get undiagnosed PTSD after childbirth More health stories → Browse all stories →