Aussie strain driving surge in flu outbreak

FLU infections are increasing in the UK as health chiefs warn families to protect themselves in the buildup to the festive season.

- BY MARTIN BAGOT

The alert over the new strain H3N2 follows the experience of Australia, which had its worst flu season on record during its winter.

Swab samples sent by health authorities to laboratories showed the positivity rate rose to 11.6%, up from 10.7% the previous week. Infections are nowhere near the seasonal peak yet but are well ahead of where they typically are at this time of year.