NHS England has released its latest figures as the country battles its most severe flu outbreak in decades.

Health bosses say the service is facing a "worst case scenario" December as "super flu" continues to surge.

An average of 2,660 patients were in hospital with flu last each day week - the highest ever for this time of year. That represents a 55% surge from last week. At this point last year the number stood at 1,861 patients, while in 2023 it was just 402.

Winter viruses are starting to "engulf hospitals ", the NHS warned. Other illnesses are surging too, with norovirus hospitalisations up 35%. Bosses also say there is no peak in sight for the spike in flu cases.

It comes as the mutated H3N2 strain is circulating around the UK, with the NHS having already sent out a 'flu jab SOS' to vulnerable people.

Health bosses have warned that the NHS could face a "tidal wave" of illness in the run up to Christmas . People have been encouraged to wear face masks outside if they feel unwell.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers which represents NHS trusts, said the country is seeing a “very nasty strain of flu” that has occurred earlier in the year than normal.

“So children are still at school, it’s warm and wet, so it’s perfect flu-spreading conditions,” he told Times Radio.

“When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.

“And we were all very good about infection control during Covid. And we really, really need to get back to that now.”

Asked if he meant people who have “got a cold, they’re snuffling, they are coughing” should wear a mask in the office, Mr Elkeles said: “I think that would be very sensible to all their colleagues, or probably their colleagues would say ‘please go home’.

“But we have really got to worry about the fact that this is a very nasty strain of flu. It spreads very easily. It’s warm and wet out there and people need to be sensible.”

Mr Elkeles said the peak of this flu season could be worse than previous winters, adding: “We really do need people to sit up and listen.

“And actually, we need to have a big debate probably after this flu season about how we prepare the public better for what happens every year.

“So if you haven’t already had your flu vaccine and you’re eligible, please go and take it.”