Ambulance demand spikes as flu season worsens

The number of 999 calls in London has risen over the past week, with London Ambulance Service (LAS) reporting its three busiest days of 2025 in a row.

The service said the 20% increase included more calls from people with breathing difficulties due to viral infections and respiratory illnesses such as the flu.

NHS figures indicate fewer than half of eligible people in London have had the free flu vaccine this season.

Experts have predicted the worst flu season for a decade, fuelled by a new type of a flu virus.

LAS strategic commander Laurence Cowderoy said the service had prepared for winter for many months, but still urged Londoners to "only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency".

He said the high call rate was "more typically seen on New Year's Eve".

Operations to cope with demands over the winter period include:

Karen Bonner, the regional chief nurse for London, said NHS staff had already seen the impact of the new flu strain with people coming into accident and emergency departments with symptoms.

"We know it's a pretty bad flu this year – we know that from seeing it in Australia and other places - so, we really want to protect people," she said.

London Ambulance Service calls

Thursday 27 November - 7,356

Friday 28 November - 7,608

Saturday 29 November - 7,409

Sunday 30 November - 6,776

(London Ambulance Service normally takes around 5,500 calls on a "typically busy day")

NHS England reported 1.7 million people have taken up a free flu vaccination so far this season in London - about 46% of those eligible.

Who is eligible for the flu jab?