Stay home if you have symptoms of flu, say experts amid fears of second surge

People should stay home over the Christmas period if they have symptoms of flu or Covid, experts have warned, amid fears flu cases could surge again in the new year.

- Tobi Thomas Health and inequalities correspondent

Flu levels appear to be plateauing, but it is too soon to say whether they have peaked, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

As a result, experts are urging people to wash their hands regularly, make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated, get a free vaccination if eligible, and stay home where possible if symptoms develop.

An average of 3,140 people were in hospital with flu each day by the end of last week, an increase of 18% on the previous week. At the same time last year, an average of 2,629 patients were in hospital, while in 2023 the number was 648.

However, cases have begun to slow in some parts of the country. In the northwest, hospital cases of flu fell by 4% over the past week. But cases continued to rise in other parts of England, with the number of patients in hospital up 39% in the east of England and 40% in the southwest.