Scientists say "flu is back" after a hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic - and the NHS will be under increased pressure because of it. Experts have urged those eligible to take up their offer of a flu jab as figures suggest an early uptick in cases.
Levels of flu in England are already on the rise, despite many flu seasons peaking in December and January. Some young children have already needed intensive care, data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows.
Rates are estimated to be highest among five to 14-year-olds, with 12% of laboratory samples from this age group testing positive, according to the latest flu report. Hospital admission rates are highest for those under the age of five. But, overall, levels of flu are still low, meaning it is too early to predict how big the wave of infections will be.
