The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has said flu cases are “rising sharply” with more adults now being affected.
The agency announced in a fresh alert on X, formerly Twitter, that flu is now circulating at “medium levels” with the weekly positivity rate climbing from 11.6% to 17.1%.
During the seven days leading up to Sunday, November 30, hospital admissions with flu also surged – jumping from 4.78 to 7.79 per 100,000 people.
Flu symptoms typically come on rapidly, and may include a high temperature, muscle aches, exhaustion, and a persistent dry cough.
Most people can treat their symptoms at home with lots of rest, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain management, and drinking plenty of fluids.
However, certain high-risk groups should seek urgent medical care if they experience flu symptoms. This includes pregnant women, those aged 65 and above, and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
According to NHS guidance, you must call 999 or head straight to A&E if you or a child coughs up a substantial amount of blood, experiences breathing difficulties, or develops sudden, severe chest pain.
You should avoid driving yourself to A&E and ask for a lift or call an ambulance instead. And make sure to take any medications you’re currently using with you.
The UKHSA reported that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have also risen week on week.
Hospital admissions increased from 2.38 to 3.75 per 100,000 people, whilst positive test results climbed from 8.7% to 10%.
However, positive Covid tests dropped from 2.3% to 2.1%, while hospitalisations due to Covid saw a slight rise from 0.88 to 1.03 per 100,000 of the population.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
