Flu Outbreaks In UK Rise Sharply, Hospitals Difficulty Until Schools Close

Illustration of the flu outbreak (Pexels/EVG Kowalievska)

JAKARTA - The UK is currently experiencing a sharp increase in flu cases. Four hospitals in the UK stated a critical incident due to the overwhelming number of flu patients.

A hospital spokesman said 269 flu patients needed treatment at the hospital. The University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust stated that several hospitals they underwent too dense ERs.

"Although capacity in wards and ERs is increased, waiting times remain "extended", said a spokesman, quoted by the BBC, on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Local health officials said that Britain is currently facing the worst flu season in history. With that, people are asked to return to their habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NHS leadership appealed to British citizens to start wearing masks when riding public transportation. The use of masks is also important to stop the transmission of the virus to others.

"People are advised to return to the habits formed during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely wearing masks when in public places or offices if they are in a cold," said NHS Providers Chief Executive Daniel Elkeles.

In addition to hospitals experiencing difficulties dealing with flu case patients, schools in the UK were also forced to close. The UK is like re-implementing a COVID-19-style lockdown fire' after hundreds of people have fallen ill in recent times.

Experts warn this condition could be the worst outbreak in a decade. Especially after a mutant flu strain or known as H3N2, together with RSV and Norovirus increased disease rates and filled hospital wards.