This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Flu hospital admissions in England rise sharply
There was a sharp rise in hospital admissions in England for flu cases in the last week of December, new figures show.
There were 114 admissions to intensive care with confirmed flu and a further 421 people admitted to general wards - up from 61 and 66 the week before - Public Health England figures reveal.
Adults aged over 65, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions are advised to get a free flu jab.
A flu nasal spray is available free to children aged two to eight, who are thought to be the main spreaders of flu.
NHS bosses had previously warned of a bad flu season in the UK after Australia experienced its worst flu season for a number of years during their winter.
Paul Cosford, medical director at PHE, said: “Our data shows that more people are visiting GPs with flu symptoms and we are seeing more people admitted to hospitals with the flu.
"This is contributing to the pressure that we see the NHS under.
“People suffering with flu-like symptoms should catch coughs or sneezes in tissues and bin them immediately, wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water and frequently clean regularly-used surfaces to stop the spread of flu.
"Avoid having unnecessary contact with other people if you or they have symptoms of flu."
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