NHS hospitals across England have declared critical incidents because of a surge in flu-related hospital admissions.

Hospitals in Birmingham, Hampshire, Liverpool and Plymouth have declared critical incidents following a surge in patients with respiratory issues

England’s top doctor says flu surge means 'demand is showing no signs of letting up' before an expected peak next week, as numerous NHS hospital trusts declare critical incidents

Patients not in an emergency are being asked to see their GP, pharmacy or visit their nearest walk-in centre - or to call the 111 service for advice.

Multiple NHS hospitals have reintroduced a requirement to wear face masks in clinical areas as they declared critical incidents due to surging demand and winter viruses. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

An 'unusually high' level of infenctious patients comes after NHS figures revealed cases of the flu had skyrocketed by 300% in the last month - taking up hundreds of hospital beds across the country