'Flu isn't just a nasty cold, it's a very serious disease

HEALTH bosses have said they were "extremely worried" as flu hit the North East five weeks earlier than usual. A leading consultant said that the flu was now expected to "spread rapidly".

- SAM VOLPE

Sam Rushworth MP received his flu jab at the Wolsingham Pharmacy

Dr Catherine Monaghan, who is also medical director at the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, warned that people who are eligible for a vaccine should get one as soon as they can.

She said: "We are extremely worried that flu has started to circulate five weeks earlier than usual. Flu is not just a nasty cold, it's a very serious disease.

"We're already seeing cases among young people, and we expect it to spread quickly in the coming weeks.