FLU cases are “skyrocketing,” health leaders warned today as they urged people to get a flu jab “now or never.”

Hospitals are dealing with a “quad-demic” of disease, with rising levels of flu, Covid-19, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to NHS bosses.

NHS England national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “Flu cases are skyrocketing, so it’s now or never for older people and children to get themselves jabbed and protected ahead of any family get-togethers they have planned over the festive period.

“The flu vaccine is our best defence against winter viruses and it also helps to reduce pressure on hospitals and hard-working NHS staff, who will be working flat out over the Christmas break.”

His appeal comes as hospital beds are occupied by a record number of people for this time of year due to a variety of illnesses and injuries, with England’s provision about 95 per cent full.

NHS Providers interim chief executive Saffron Cordery said there was a spike in the number of children suffering from flu, adding that this phenomenon was “often a predictor of a later wave” among adults.