Wes Streeting: WE'RE FACING A FLU TSUNAMI

Minister calls for jab uptake and end to doctors’ strikes

- MARTIN BAGOT

WES Streeting today warns Britain is facing a “tsunami of flu” in the worst period for the NHS since the Covid pandemic.

The Health Secretary makes a direct appeal to the public to protect themselves, and to resident doctors considering going on strike in the busiest days before Christmas.

An average of 2,660 patients were hospitalised with flu every day last week, the highest on record for this time of year. Hospitalisations are highest among people over 75 and children under five.

The influx comes after Mr Streeting warned he “can't guarantee patient safety over the next week" if the five-day walkout goes ahead in England from 7am on Wednesday.