Flu cases rise by 75 per cent ‘in one week’

Incidences of flu in the UK have risen by 75 per cent in one week, new data shows.

Information from GP statistics shows that the amount of cases is 73 per cent higher than last year, with 69 consultations for flu-like symptoms per 100,000 people.

On December 14th, the corresponding figure was 39.5 cases per 100,000.

An expert told the BBC that the figures may climb to those similar to eight years ago.

Dr Douglas Fleming, Royal College of GPs Research Unit director in Birmingham, said that was the “only substantial outbreak” in the past decade.

“I think we could be looking at something that approaches that this year,” he added.

GPs are now prescribing antiviral drugs to high-risk patients who develop flu and over-65s are being urged to get vaccinated.

Royal College of GPs chair Professor Steve Field said washing hands and using handkerchiefs as well as maintaining suitable personal hygiene can minimise the chance of contracting flu.

The NHS reminds people on its website that children may be at a higher risk of catching flu because they have not yet had the chance to develop immunity to it.