A flu warning has been issued after Public Health England announced a rise in cases.
The health body has reported how cases of flu-like illnesses have risen by almost a quarter in the past week, with the number expected to rise further in late December to early January.
NHS teams in GP surgeries, A&E departments and hospital wards, across the country, are already seeing the number of people coming forward for treatment increase, with some schools and care homes also reporting suspected outbreaks.
Doctors are now urging adults to protect themselves, and their children, who can spread the virus from schools and nurseries to family members even if they don’t succumb to symptoms themselves.
Due to delays in vaccine delivery from the manufacturer, vaccine uptake among two to three -year-olds is lagging behind previous seasons; as of the end of week 8 December, 28% of 2-3 year olds had received the vaccine.
So far, only 28% of two to three-year-olds have received this year’s flu vaccine, partly due to delays in the delivery of the vaccines to GPs across the country.
This is compared to the number of people eligible which has reached a high of 25 million.
Professor Yvonne Doyle, the medical director of Public Health England, said: “No one wants to see their children suffering with flu – far from a common cold, flu can have serious consequences for young children and those with underlying medical conditions.
“There’s still a week before Christmas, parents of two to three-year-olds or those with underlying medical conditions should not delay, get your children vaccinated as soon as possible.
“To reduce the risk of spreading flu, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often with warm water and soap, and bin used tissues as quickly as possible. Catch it. Bin it. Kill it.”
How to avoid spreading flu
Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days.
Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
To reduce the risk of spreading flu:
- wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as quickly as possible
See how to wash your hands correctly
How to prevent flu
The flu vaccine reduces the risk of catching flu, as well as spreading it to others.
It's more effective to get the vaccine before the start of the flu season (December to March).
Find out if you're eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine
