Cases of flu are rising – help us to prevent the spread of infection in our hospitals
Strike action taking place from 17 to 22 December – important information for patients
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Reducing flu infection in our hospitals

15 December 2025 - Winter is a very busy time for the NHS, with seasonal illnesses and cold weather putting more pressure on the services we provide for patients.

Flu cases are rising across the country, and over recent days, we have seen a sharp rise in the number of patients with flu symptoms accessing urgent and emergency care in our hospitals.

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people, and there are some steps everyone can take to reduce the risk of catching it. They include:

  • wash your hands often with warm water and soap
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not into your hand)
  • bin used tissues as quickly as possible
  • try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

If you have mild flu symptoms, there are some things you can do to help get better more quickly, including rest and sleep, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration (your pee should be light yellow or clear).

The best way to reduce the risk of flu infection is to get a flu vaccine. Go online to find out how to get your flu vaccine.

Accessing hospital care

If your flu symptoms are more serious, check the NHS website for information about flu or contact NHS 111 for advice before accessing hospital care.

Patients should only attend our Emergency Departments (EDs) if your condition is urgent. Please seek care from alternative healthcare providers, such as your GP or local pharmacy, whenever possible, as this allows our emergency care teams to concentrate on delivering critical, life-saving treatment to those in greatest need.

If you do need hospital care which requires an overnight stay, you may be asked to wear a face mask (if you can tolerate it) to reduce the risk of you contracting flu, or to help prevent flu spreading. Some of our staff may be wearing face masks as well, for the same reason.

Helping people stay well

Tracey Carter, Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Midwifery at King’s, said: “As the winter season begins, we know hospital pressures intensify as we see cases of flu and other respiratory illnesses increase in our community.

“We have seen a rapid increase in the number of patients presenting with flu symptoms, with a number requiring hospital admission, and our teams are working hard to manage demand.

“Patients can help reduce the impact on our services by taking precautions to reduce the risk of flu infection, including getting their flu vaccination, which will help keep you and your family safe and well over the festive and New Year period.”

For more information and health advice throughout winter, visit NHS website.