People with symptoms of flu should consider wearing a face mask in public as a surge in hospitalisations pushes the NHS to breaking point .

The Government is being urged to offer free flu jabs to younger people following concern over the unprecedented wave of infections caused by a “nasty” mutation.

Ministers are facing serious questions about “under-preparedness” for this year’s flu season from health experts, care home bosses and MPs. New Feature

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Schools across the UK are reporting dozens of children being absent due to flu while care homes are concerned about loved ones spreading the infection among their vulnerable, older residents.

Several NHS trusts are asking visitors to wear face masks in high-risk parts of hospitals. So

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