The NHS has pinpointed a key symptom that differentiates flu from a common cold, amid warnings of a "concerning rise" in cases. The health service reports that current flu cases are three times higher than this time last year.

Experts have noted that the flu season has arrived "more than a month earlier" than usual. Statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that flu cases have risen from 6.1 per cent to 8.2 per cent.

This increase is largely due to a significant rise among school-age children, according to NHS England . As a result, health officials are urging eligible individuals, including certain children, to get their flu jab.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: "This early rise of flu in children is particularly concerning – especially given

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