Data shows cases of flu are currently three times higher than they were this time last year

The NHS has highlighted a key symptom that means you have flu rather than a cold as experts have warned of a “concerning rise” in cases. According to the health body, cases of flu are currently three times higher than this time last year.

Experts explained that flu season has hit “more than a month earlier” than usual. And data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that cases of flu rose from 6.1 per cent up to 8.2 per cent.

This rise is mainly due to a spike among school-aged children, NHS England said. As a result, health bosses are urging eligible people - including certain children - to get vaccinated against flu.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, commented

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