Flu Surge

Doctors in England will begin a five day strike on Wednesday, escalating a long running dispute over pay and working conditions as hospitals face rising pressure from a sharp increase in flu cases.

The walkout involves resident doctors, previously known as junior doctors, who account for nearly half of England’s medical workforce. Their action comes at a critical moment for the National Health Service, which has warned of mounting strain on hospitals as winter illnesses spread.

Health officials say the timing of the strike could worsen delays for patients. According to NHS England, flu hospital admissions jumped by more than …