Londoners are being warned of a “particularly bad flu season” this year as a more infectious strain of the virus spreads, prompting renewed calls for those eligible to get vaccinated.

Hackney GP Dr Tehseen Khan said this year’s flu strain appears to be more infectious and is leading to more severe illness and hospital admissions than last year. Cases have been rising since mid-September, with all age groups affected, including young children.

Data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on October 30 shows flu cases increasing from 6.1% to 8.2% in just one week, largely driven by a spike among school-aged children. This is a sharp rise compared to 2.9% at the same time last year.

Dr Khan warned that the pressure on NHS services is already being felt.

“It's always a dif

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