The number of patients with flu in Suffolk hospitals has been revealed amid warnings the NHS is facing a "facing a worst-case scenario for this time of year."
An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu across the country last week, new figures have revealed.
It is the highest ever figure for this time of year.
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed it has seen a "moderate seasonal increase" in flu patients, "which has come slightly earlier than last year."
Seven patients are currently in the Bury St Edmunds hospital with flu.
A spokeswoman for the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “While we remain busy, flu has not caused a significant operational impact, and there are robust procedures for testing and containment in place to ensure patients receive the care they need as quickly as possible.
“To help prevent the spread of winter viruses, like the flu, Covid-19 or norovirus, and to protect our patients and staff, please do not visit our hospitals if you have had flu-like symptoms within the last 48 hours and do not require urgent care.”
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust has revealed there were 44 patients with flu at Ipswich Hospital as of Thursday, down slightly from 49 reported last week.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “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.
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“The numbers of patients in hospital with flu is extremely high for this time of year.
“Even worse, it continues to rise and the peak is not in sight yet, so the NHS faces an extremely challenging few weeks ahead."
What is ‘super flu’?
It is not an official name for a virus, but the so-called super flu refers to the illness that seems to be hitting harder and lasting for longer than expected.
This year’s flu season also started a month earlier, while a drifted influenza A(H3N2) strain – also known as subclade K – is currently dominating cases in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Why has this year’s flu season started early?
Last month, UKHSA said the new strain was driving the early surge in cases.
The agency said activity has “risen unusually early” with “increases first seen in teenagers and young adults, followed by younger children”.
Flu circulation among children normally precedes that in adults.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu can come on very quickly with symptoms such as a sudden fever, tiredness, aches and pains, a dry cough, sore throat, headache, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, feeling sick and diarrhoea.
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