The number of flu patients in hospital has risen across England for the sixth week in a row, figures released on Thursday morning show. Multiple hospitals declared or continued critical incidents this week, the highest NHS alert level, as the surge in respiratory cases overwhelmed accident and emergency departments.

NHS leaders have warned that the peak of the flu cycle has not yet hit, with February and March potentially worse for the health service.

Hospital trusts across the country are declaring critical incidents over a 246% surge in flu cases this winter, with some A&E departments saying they are busier than they'd ever been

The number of people with flu in hospital in England has risen sharply over Christmas, NHS chiefs warn. The latest data shows there were 5,000 patients in hospital with the virus at the end of last week - almost 3.

A top NHS doctor has warned the peak of the flu season is yet to come as hospitals wards across England are “full to bursting”.