NHS: Flu season kicks off early
Monday, December 15 11:58 am
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The flu season has started a month earlier than expected, the NHS has said. Skip related content
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NHS: Flu season kicks off early
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NHS Direct has seen the number of calls about symptoms more than double over the last three months and doctors are being urged to start prescribing ant-viral drugs.
Last year the virus began affecting people from mid-January but schools and hospitals are already reporting outbreaks, with children and the elderly the most vulnerable.
NHS is urging people to check their symptoms online as increasing numbers are expected to be struck down in the coming months.
For most people, the flu is nothing more than a week of feeling under the weather, but for those such as the elderly, and patients with lung problems and diabetes it can be far more dangerous - even life threatening.
The most at-risk groups are encouraged to get the flu jab each year.
The Department of Health along with the Health Protection Agency have written to doctors in England to recommend they prescribe ant-viral drugs to the most vulnerable groups.
Monday, December 15 11:58 am
Print Story
The flu season has started a month earlier than expected, the NHS has said. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Early start to flu season Play video
Early start to flu season Play video
NHS: Flu season kicks off early
Related content
Organs go to foreign nationals
50 foreigners given organ donations
Video: Figures show NHS paying some staff up to ...
Related Hot Topic: National Health Service (NHS)
Have your say: National Health Service (NHS)
NHS Direct has seen the number of calls about symptoms more than double over the last three months and doctors are being urged to start prescribing ant-viral drugs.
Last year the virus began affecting people from mid-January but schools and hospitals are already reporting outbreaks, with children and the elderly the most vulnerable.
NHS is urging people to check their symptoms online as increasing numbers are expected to be struck down in the coming months.
For most people, the flu is nothing more than a week of feeling under the weather, but for those such as the elderly, and patients with lung problems and diabetes it can be far more dangerous - even life threatening.
The most at-risk groups are encouraged to get the flu jab each year.
The Department of Health along with the Health Protection Agency have written to doctors in England to recommend they prescribe ant-viral drugs to the most vulnerable groups.
Hospitals Braced For Flu Outbreak
Wednesday, December 24 04:35 am Sky News
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Hospitals across the country are braced for an influx of flu patients as doctors' surgeries close for Christmas. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Hospitals Braced For Flu Outbreak
Health experts have predicted the biggest outbreak of flu for nine years could be on its way.
The Royal College of GPs says the number of people seeing their doctor with the symptoms shot up 73% in a week.
The biggest rise was in the 65-plus age group which saw a huge increase of 151%.
The Department of Health's director of immunisation, Professor David Salisbury, said: "We have had very little flu over the last few years and this year may be like 1999/2000 when figures were quite high.
"The best protection against flu is to have the flu jab."
Prof Salisbury added: "There are simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu.
"Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands.
"If you think you have flu, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and take medicines like aspirin or paracetamol for your symptoms."
Wednesday, December 24 04:35 am Sky News
Print Story
Hospitals across the country are braced for an influx of flu patients as doctors' surgeries close for Christmas. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Hospitals Braced For Flu Outbreak
Health experts have predicted the biggest outbreak of flu for nine years could be on its way.
The Royal College of GPs says the number of people seeing their doctor with the symptoms shot up 73% in a week.
The biggest rise was in the 65-plus age group which saw a huge increase of 151%.
The Department of Health's director of immunisation, Professor David Salisbury, said: "We have had very little flu over the last few years and this year may be like 1999/2000 when figures were quite high.
"The best protection against flu is to have the flu jab."
Prof Salisbury added: "There are simple steps that everyone can take to help prevent catching colds and flu.
"Always use a tissue to catch your sneezes, throw away used tissues where germs can linger and regularly wash your hands.
"If you think you have flu, stay at home, drink plenty of fluids and take medicines like aspirin or paracetamol for your symptoms."
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