Hospitals across the UK are bracing for a "tidal wave of flu" after a combination of seasonal demand and doctors' strikes could leave the NHS at breaking point. The UK is in the midst of a record-breaking flu season, with new research showing a significant spike in patients taking up hospital beds battling the virus.

The data shows that 2,660 patients were hospitalised with illness only last week - a 55% increase from the previous week. It also showed that ambulance call-outs have increased by nearly 49,000 compared to last year's figures, increasing the strain both in and on the way to the hospital. The combination of the spike in both flu and norovirus has led health secretary Wes Streeting to warn of a "tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals".

He added: "We are working with the NHS to make sure it can cope with this as best as possible."

Writing in the Health Service Journal, one hospital chief said: "The flu predictions look worrying. If they come through as predicted, the second week of January could be carnage - a perfect storm of flu, post-Christmas surge and the lag impact of [strikes]."

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, warned that doctors, nurses and paramedics are all being "pushed to their limit", warning the UK is currently facing its worst-case scenario.

She added: "With record demand for A&E and ambulances and an impending resident doctors' strike, this unprecedented wave of super flu is leaving the NHS facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year - with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients."

Hospital bosses have also warned that this year, the flu season has arrived earlier than expected, stating that some of the stats are skewed and "misleading" because of the differing timings.

Stuart McDonald, a specialist in public health and demographics, wrote: "I might be wrong, but my current view is that it's overblown.

"Flu arrived early, which is why it's breaking 'time of year' records, but it's only in the medium threshold and could peak lower than last year, let alone 2022-23."