The NHS is bracing itself for a flu epidemic following a surge in cases at hospitals and GP surgeries. Figures from Public Health England yesterday for the week up to December 31 showed that 421 patients had been admitted to hospital with confirmed flu. The true number of sufferers is likely to be much higher, however, because these figures only represent cases where the flu virus was confirmed by laboratory tests. Another 114 flu patients are in intensive care, up from 61 the previous week, most of whom are elderly. Public Health England has approved the use of the new vaccine – called Fluad – which experts say could save up to 1,700 lives annually.

Source: Daily Mail January 05, 2018 00:33 UTC