Urgent warning as ‘tidal wave’ of flu infections swamp hospitals with 70% surge in cases – as 2 other nasty bugs rife

A “TIDAL wave” of flu infections has led to a 70 per cent surge in hospital cases in England in just seven days, the NHS has said.

Health chiefs are now pleading with eligible Brits to get vaccinated immediately to avoid “festive flu” before it is “too late”.

Last week, an average of 1,861 flu patients were in hospital every day, up from 1,099 the previous week – 3.5 times higher than the same time last year.