The warning comes as new figures revealed the number of people in hospital with flu have increased by more than half in just one week.

Catch up as it happened: NHS warns of 'worst-case scenario' as 'super flu' surges

Latest figures show:

• An average of 2,660 patients were in hospital per day with flu last week

• This is the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% on last week

• At this point last year the number stood at 1,861 patients, while in 2023 it was just 402

Health service bosses are warning the number of flu patients in hospital has already increased sharply since the week covered by this data - with no peak in sight.

Read more: Why is flu season worse this year?

Virus outbreaks coincide with doctors' strikes

Weekly flu numbers in England peaked at 5,408 patients last winter and reached 5,441 over the winter of 2022/23, the highest level since the pandemic.

Alongside rocketing flu, the number of norovirus patients in hospital has also risen by 35%.

The NHS is now warning winter viruses are starting to "engulf hospitals".

Demand for A&Es and ambulance services is also soaring.

New monthly figures show A&E attendances were a record for November at 2.35 million - more than 30,000 higher than November 2024.

In addition, there were 48,814 more ambulance incidents (802,525) compared with last year (753,711).

Some hospitals across the country have asked staff, patients and visitors to wear face masks to cut the spread of flu, while others have gone in and out of critical incident status due to the high number of people attending A&E.

The record-breaking demand on the NHS coincides with a resident doctors' strike from 17 to 22 December over pay and jobs - sparking fears of major disruption for patients in the run up to Christmas.

People are being advised to attend any planned appointments scheduled during the strikes unless they have been contacted to reschedule.

Flu vaccinations on the up... who can get one?

The NHS is urging anyone eligible to get their flu vaccination to help prevent them getting seriously ill.

Latest figures show more than 17.4 million people have been vaccinated so far this year, more than 381,000 higher than last year.

You can get it if you:

• Are 65 or over in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

• Are 50 or over in Scotland

• Are pregnant

• Live in a care home

• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive carer's allowance

• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

• Are a frontline health and social care worker

• Are of school age

• Have certain medical conditions (the NHS has a full list)

Wes Streeting, the health secretary, warned of a "tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals".

"We are working with the NHS to make sure it is able to cope with this as best as possible," he said.

Warning 'extremely challenging few weeks ahead'

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, warned the health service faces "an extremely challenging few weeks ahead" with "staff being pushed to the limit".

She 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.

"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."

She added: "We have prepared earlier for winter than ever before, and stress-tested services to ensure people have a range of ways to get the help they need and avoid needing to go to A&E.

"For non-life-threatening care, people should call NHS 111 or use 111 online, which can direct you to the most appropriate place, and use A&E and 999 for life threatening conditions and serious injuries."

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Mr Streeting has offered the British Medical Association (BMA) a last-minute deal in the hope doctors will call off the walkout, which starts next Wednesday.

The doctors' union has agreed to put the offer to members over the coming day, and is expected to announced a decision on Monday, just two days before the planned strike.

The offer includes a fast expansion of specialist training posts as well as covering out-of-pocket expenses such as exam fees, but does not include extra pay.

The items were taken from Bristol Museum's British Empire and Commonwealth collection on 25 September, Avon and Somerset Police said.

The force described the burglary as involving "high-value" artefacts, as they appealed for the public's help in identifying people caught on CCTV.

It is not clear why the appeal is being issued more than two months after the burglary occurred.

The break-in took place between 1am and 2am on Thursday 25 September when a group of four unknown males gained entry to a building in the Cumberland Road area of the city.

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Items stolen in the raid include a ship lantern, an ivory Buddha and a waist belt plate mount.

Detectives say they hope the four people on CCTV will be able to help them with their enquiries.

They are described as:

• Male one: white, of medium to stocky build, wearing a white cap, black jacket, light-coloured trousers, and black trainers
• Male two: white, of slim build, wearing a grey-hooded jacket, black trousers, and black trainers
• Male three: white, wearing a green cap, black jacket, light-coloured shorts, and white trainers, and appears to walk with a slight limp in his right leg
• Male four: white, of large build, wearing a two-toned orange and navy/black puffed jacket, black trousers, and black and white trainers

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Constable Dan Burgan, said: "The theft of many items which carry a significant cultural value is a significant loss for the city.

"These items, many of which were donations, form part of a collection that provides insight into a multi-layered part of British history, and we are hoping that members of the public can help us to bring those responsible to justice.

"So far, our enquiries have included significant CCTV enquiries as well as forensic investigations and speaking liaising with the victims.

"If you recognise the men pictured or have seen any of the possible items being sold online, please call us."

The British Empire and Commonwealth Collection at Bristol Archives documents the links between Britain and nations in the British Empire from the late 19th century to recent times.

It includes household belongings, souvenirs, photographs and papers.

Solicitor Margaret Gribbon confirmed the move during a press conference on Thursday, shortly after a certificate of correction was issued amid complaints a quote used in Monday's ruling was "completely made up".

Ms Peggie said: "Whilst I am delighted that the tribunal was critical of Fife health board and found they had harassed me, their judgment, I believe, falls short in many respects and that is why I certainly won't be giving up this legal fight any time soon."

Ms Gribbon claimed some of the findings in the ruling were "hugely problematic" as she accused NHS Fife of going on an "archaeological dig to find material to discredit" Ms Peggie.

She added: "It was even suggested to Sandie, by Fife health board's KC during her cross-examination, that she'd lied about having experienced a menstrual flood on Christmas Eve 2023.

"So, against that background, it is difficult to envisage what woman would contemplate raising a complaint of this nature."

Ms Gribbon said work on the appeal was already under way and will be submitted next month.

Maya Forstater, chief executive of sex-based rights charity Sex Matters, had earlier claimed the employment judge's reference to a previous case involving herself had included a quote which was incorrect.

She posted on X: "This 'quote' from my judgment doesn't come from my judgment. It is completely made up."

The certificate of correction, issued on Thursday by the Judicial Office, has not changed the verdict itself.

In a statement, Ms Forstater said: "I knew this was wrong, and it's good it's being amended, but I am astonished that it happened and I would like an explanation of how it happened.

"Claimants and witnesses going to court swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, and we expect nothing less from the judges."

She added: "This judgment was already being questioned because it seems to fly in the face of the Supreme Court's clear statement that single-sex facilities can only be on the basis of sex, not claimed identity.

"Errors like this just add to the growing feeling that this is not a sound judgment."

Ms Peggie took action following a row with transgender medic Dr Beth Upton - who was born male and now identifies as a female - at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy on Christmas Eve 2023.

The nurse, who had complained about sharing a female changing room with Dr Upton, was placed on special leave after her colleague made an allegation of bullying and harassment, and cited concerns about patient care.

Ms Peggie lodged a claim against NHS Fife and Dr Upton in response, with the nurse going on to win a claim for harassment against the health board.

All other allegations of discrimination and victimisation were dismissed, with the employment tribunal additionally rejecting all claims against Dr Upton.

In the 312-page judgment, the tribunal said NHS Fife should have taken action to reflect Ms Peggie's concerns over Dr Upton's use of the female changing room.

The health board was found to have harassed the nurse by failing to revoke the doctor's permission on an interim basis until different work rotas took effect, and as a result, Dr Upton and Ms Peggie were both present in the changing facilities on two occasions.

It was also found to have harassed Ms Peggie by taking an unreasonable length of time to investigate the allegations against her, and by making reference to patient care allegations against her on 28 March 2024.

The health board was additionally found to have harassed Ms Peggie by giving an instruction to her not to discuss the case, until a further message a little over two weeks later which confirmed that applied only to the investigation.

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Ms Peggie paid tribute to Neale Hanvey, depute leader of the Alba Party, who signposted her to Sex Matters.

The nurse additionally thanked Ms Forstater and a whole host of women's rights campaigners, including For Women Scotland, Murray Blackburn Mackenzie, Women Won't Weesht, Women's Rights Network Scotland and the LGB Alliance.

She also praised her "outstanding" legal team, made up of lead counsel Naomi Cunningham, junior counsel Dr Charlotte Elves, and solicitor Ms Gribbon.

After thanking her family and friends for being a "tower of strength", she added: "Finally, I want to pay tribute to my late dad who we lost in January and who I know will be looking down on me feeling proud that he, with my mum, raised a daughter who did not and will not weesht."

The tribunal's hearings took place earlier this year - before and after the landmark UK Supreme Court judgment in April, which ruled "woman" and "sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refers to "a biological woman and biological sex".

NHS Fife previously described the tribunal as a "complex and lengthy process" as it vowed to work through the detail of the judgment to "understand fully what it means for the organisation".

The health board said it was aware of the updated judgment. It has been contacted for further comment in regards to Ms Peggie's planned appeal.

Barry Dawson was shot through the front window of his terraced house in Stanley, County Durham, on 5 April.

Following a trial at Teesside Crown Court at the end of October, Sean Reay, 30, of Sabin Terrace, Stanley, who shot the 60-year-old, was found guilty of his murder along with Kelvin Lawson, 38, and 22-year-old Thomas Sterling.

Reay was given a minimum term of 32 years. Lawson, of Frosterley Gardens, Stanley, who smashed the downstairs window to allow his co-accused to get a clearer shot, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years.

Sterling, of The Avenue, Stanley, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 26 years. The judge said he was part of a "show of strength" in the street that day.

A CPS spokesman said at the time of their conviction: "The shot struck Barry in the chest, puncturing his heart, lung and liver, and he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

"Following the shooting, Sean Reay fled the Durham area and was later arrested in Northern Ireland."

Mr Dawson had lived in the street for more than two decades and was a well-liked member of his community.

The shocking doorbell footage caught the shooting and then Mr Dawson's son, Shane, shouting: "They shot my dad."

Mr Justice Cotter said: "This was an extraordinary crime in an ordinary residential street.

"It was the sort of thing most people only see in television or films, and then not in this country."

In a victim impact statement, Mr Dawson's partner, Sarah Hopwood, said the man people knew as Buck was an "adored father and grandfather".

She said: "This horrendous crime has broken our hearts and it is something we will never recover from."

The court heard Reay was out for revenge following an altercation outside his property earlier that day, which was suspected to be drug-related, and in which he claimed a man threatened to burn his house down.

Reay's gang believed the person responsible was in Mr Dawson's home and they hoped to lure him out by breaking windows.

Mr Dawson, who had been resting upstairs, and who had nothing to do with the earlier trouble outside the home, came downstairs to see what was going on.

Mr Justice Cotter said Reay was in charge, while Lawson and Sterling were "key lieutenants".

The judge said the three men lived by a code that saw the police as the enemy.

"You can reflect on where your code has got you during your decades in prison," he said.

"Until you reject the code, you will not be safe to rejoin society."

Reay recruited Kevin Dorward, 38, to drive them to the shooting and his cousin Keith Dorward, 48, also came along.

They were cleared of murder, but admitted perverting the course of justice by trying to burn out the getaway car.

Kevin Dorward's partner, Michaela Hetherington, also admitted perverting the course of justice by falsely claiming to police that the car had been stolen.

The judge jailed Kevin Dorward for 20 months, Keith Dorward for 16 months, both of whom were living in Annfield Plain at the time, and Hetherington for 15 months, meaning she will be released immediately, having served 246 days on remand.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Fuller, Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Hamnett at Durham Constabulary, said: "I hope this investigation sends out a clear message to criminals that we will not allow such extreme violence on our streets.

"There is no place for guns on our streets, and we take a zero-tolerance approach in tackling and bringing to justice those who choose to carry such weapons.

"Barry Dawson needlessly lost his life that afternoon because of the despicable actions of these three men. My thoughts remain with those who loved him."

It is the first chance fans will have to nab tickets since last week's World Cup draw, which determined the group stages and nearly the full list of matchups, venues and times.

FIFA says nearly two million tickets have already been snapped up through its first two phases of ticket release, but individuals did not have the benefit of knowing which teams would be playing at each site and at what time.

Everything to know about World Cup 2026

Today's ballot will not guarantee tickets to the tournament - which is set to be the biggest in history - only that you are in the running to get your hands on some. Here's all you need to know.

How will the ballot work?

The application for the third phase of ticket release, known as the random selection draw, opens at 4pm UK time on 11 December.

Here, fans will be able to submit applications for tickets to specific matches.

Individuals will only be able to buy four tickets per-match and a total of 40 tickets for the entire tournament per-household.

The application window will remain open until January 13, 2026. There is no advantage to applying early - all fixtures remain available throughout the entire period.

Those wanting tickets will need to have a FIFA ID in advance, which can be created via FIFA.com/tickets.

Once the window closes, FIFA will run a lottery to decide which applications are successful.

The lucky fans will be notified by email in February and, if they have been allocated tickets, will be charged automatically.

How much will tickets cost?

FIFA is yet to confirm the final prices of tickets.

The body previously said tickets will start from $60 (£45) in the group stage, with the most expensive tickets for the final reaching highs of $6,730 (£5,094).

If true, it will unsurprisingly be way up from the range of $25 (£19) to $475 (£353) - the costs last time the US hosted the tournament in 1994.

For the 2022 tournament in Qatar, tickets cost the US dollar equivalent of $69 to $1,607.

Prices for hospitality tickets are believed to be considerably more, ranging from $3,500 (£2,604) to $73,200 (£54,467) per person.

As of 10 December, group stage matches involving Mexico cost more than $2,600 (£1,942) to get inside, Sky News' US partner network, NBC, reported, citing StubHub listings, while American and Canadian baseline prices were hovering around $1,100 (£821).

The Football Supporters' Association's embassy for England fans said supporters who are allocated category 3 tickets, which they say is one of the cheapest options, will have to pay an estimated $4,700 (£3,510) to attend all matches should England reach the final.

It adds for those having to apply for category 1 tickets, this would increase to more than $12,000 (£8,965).

How about dynamic pricing?

Initially, FIFA suggested tickets would be sold using dynamic pricing, meaning fans would pay different prices according to demand.

Variable pricing had never been used at a World Cup before, raising concerns about affordability.

FIFA has now backed away from it, saying allocations would be set at a fixed price for the duration of the next ticket sales phase.

The world football's governing body said in a statement to Sky News: "FIFA can confirm ringfenced allocations are being set aside for specific fan categories, as has been the case at previous FIFA World Cups. These allocations will be set at a fixed price for the duration of the next ticket sales phase.

"The pricing model adopted for FIFA World Cup 26 reflects the existing market practice for major entertainment and sporting events within our hosts on a daily basis, soccer included."

Are there other ways to get tickets?

FA allocation

Each nation in the World Cup expects to receive 8% of the tickets for its matches to sell to its own supporters.

For England and Scotland, these will be made available to members of the England Supporters Travel Club (ESTC) and the Scotland Supporters Club (SSC).

Both the ESTC and SSC ran their own registration of interest before individuals apply for tickets. This registration window closed for both clubs on 10 December at 11.59pm UK time.

Fans will receive an email with an access code for the official FIFA portal, where they can apply for tickets from 15 December to 13 January.

Resale marketplace

FIFA has also created its own online marketplace where fans can resell tickets bought through other phases of the ticketing process.

It says the resale marketplace is available to Canadian, American and international residents, while the FIFA Exchange Marketplace is intended for residents of Mexico.

FIFA has also issued a warning to fans to be "wary" of unofficial websites purportedly selling tickets that aren't yet on the market, after Sky News discovered tickets already being sold for eye-watering prices by the platform Vivid Seats.

First-come first-served

Fans may be able to buy remaining tickets on a first-come first-served basis closer to the tournament, FIFA says.

This is based on availability.

What about visas?

For those outside the US, Canada or Mexico, securing tickets is not enough to guarantee you will be at World Cup games.

People travelling to the US or Canada will need to secure visas in order to make it to the tournament. Most tourists do not need a visa to travel to Mexico.

For example, if travelling from the UK to America, Britons will need an ESTA for visits under 90 days, or a B-2 visa for longer stays.

From the UK to Canada, Britons will typically need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which allows visits for up to six months.

FIFA has warned that any ticket holder who fails to obtain the necessary visa or travel authorisation, or is denied entry due to non-compliance with any requirements, will not be entitled to any form of compensation.

Donald Trump announced in November that those who need visas to attend the World Cup will be able to go through a "FIFA portal" to help get their visa application and interview prioritised at the State Department.

This will be known as the FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System, or FIFA PASS.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration had added 400 consular officers around the world to deal with increased demand for visas, with individuals still having to go through the same vetting, but will "move up the queue" in order to get correct travel documents in place on time for the tournament.

Despite the new system, Mr Trump said he "strongly" encourages World Cup travellers to the US to apply for their visas "right away".