Health chiefs have sounded the alarm over Britain's 'deeply worrying' early flu season that could make this winter 'as tough as the pandemic' for hospitals.

Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, warned that A&E departments were likely to experience record demand during a 'prolonged and difficult' wave of flu.

Figures published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) yesterday revealed the outbreaks had started 'unusually early', five weeks ahead of 2024. 

Cases are three times higher than usual for this time of year, with 247 people admitted to hospital last week — largely driven by a spike among school-aged children.

Early analysis of the figures also suggests the season could be the worst in the UK for a decade. 

There were warning signs in Asia, with Japan already declaring a flu epidemic and closing many schools.

But it also comes just weeks before resident doctors plan to strike for five consecutive days next month amid a row over pay and conditions. 

Thousands of medics — previously known as junior doctors — will walk out from November 14 to November 19. 

Addressing NHS leaders, Sir Jim said: 'There is likely to be more footfall through A&E this winter than any on record, with a flu season on the horizon that is likely to be prolonged and difficult.

'This demand, alongside striking staff, means that in a few months' time many of you will face challenges that could feel like those tough moments we all went through during the pandemic.'

Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, also said: 'We're seeing an unusually early start to the flu season, with data showing a sharp increase among children but also increases in other age groups.

'If you're eligible for a vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness - every year we see many thousands end up in hospital and far too many deaths from flu. 

'It's crucial that everyone eligible books their appointment as soon as possible. The vaccine is our best defence.'

Meanwhile, Duncan Burton, the chief nursing officer for England, added: 'This early rise of flu in children is particularly concerning — especially given that flu circulation in children normally precedes that in adults.

'So it's vitally important those eligible come forward for their vaccine as soon as possible to avoid a long and drawn-out flu season.

'The flu virus changes every year, so it's important to get a vaccination each year to ensure yours and your families' protection and to help reduce the spread to others.'

To date, the NHS has delivered more than 12.2million flu vaccines since its campaign began on September 1.  

Experts advise that all eligible adults should aim to have received their flu vaccination by the end of November.

Vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, pregnant women, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and front line health and social care workers as well as children.

Appointments and walk-in sessions are available in local pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres across the country.

Parents are also reminded to complete their child's vaccination consent forms to schools, or to book an appointment for two to three-year-olds to ensure their child gets vaccinated against flu ahead of the Christmas period.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is responsible for about 40,000 hospitalisations and more than 10,000 deaths in the UK every year.

However, this can be higher in bad years. 

It comes after an Age UK report this week warned that A&E departments are becoming like war zones, with elderly people among those subjected to degrading treatment, with many left languishing on trolleys in urine-soaked bedding.

The charity said too many people were being left to endure 'heartbreaking' and shocking failings in care and many had been so distressed by previous hospital stays that they are now unwilling to return even if they are in a life-threatening situation.

The report also exposed a crisis in corridor care, with more than 1 million people facing waits of more than 12 hours in A&E in 2024/25.