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GPs report flu cases have doubled in one week GPs report flu cases have doubled in one week
(40 minutes later)
By Helen Briggs Health reporter, BBC NewsBy Helen Briggs Health reporter, BBC News
Flu cases have more than doubled in the past week in England and Wales, according to official figures.Flu cases have more than doubled in the past week in England and Wales, according to official figures.
The biggest increase is in school age children, data from GP surgeries shows.The biggest increase is in school age children, data from GP surgeries shows.
Several flu strains are known to be circulating widely, including H1N1 "swine flu" and influenza B.Several flu strains are known to be circulating widely, including H1N1 "swine flu" and influenza B.
Experts are urging those in high-risk groups, particularly pregnant women, to get vaccinated. The vaccine protects against both seasonal flu and swine flu.Experts are urging those in high-risk groups, particularly pregnant women, to get vaccinated. The vaccine protects against both seasonal flu and swine flu.
The figures come from The Royal College of GPs, which tracks cases of flu-like illnesses at about 70 surgeries in England and Wales.The figures come from The Royal College of GPs, which tracks cases of flu-like illnesses at about 70 surgeries in England and Wales.
Cases have risen to 87.1 per 100,000 people, from 32.8 in the previous week.Cases have risen to 87.1 per 100,000 people, from 32.8 in the previous week.
Rates of flu are highest in children aged between 5 and 14, followed by children under four, then those aged between 15 and 44. This falls far short of the number of people catching flu at the height of last summer's swine flu outbreak.
Rates have also increased in adults aged between 45 and 64, says the weekly bulletin from the Royal College of GPs. Intensive care
There are more cases in the Central region (including Wales), followed shortly by the South, with fewer cases in the North. The figures show rates of flu are highest in children aged between 5 and 14, followed by children under four, then those aged between 15 and 44.
Cases have also increased in adults aged between 45 and 64, says the weekly bulletin from the Royal College of GPs.
There are more cases in the Central region (including Wales), followed closely by the South, with fewer cases in the North.
It is not clear how many of these patients have H1N1 flu, influenza B and other strains.It is not clear how many of these patients have H1N1 flu, influenza B and other strains.
New figures on the number of deaths from seasonal flu and swine flu will be released by the Health Protection Agency on Thursday.New figures on the number of deaths from seasonal flu and swine flu will be released by the Health Protection Agency on Thursday.
Updated figures on levels of seasonal flu circulating in Scotland are also due to be released on Thursday.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that there has been a rise in the numbers of people admitted to intensive care with flu.On Tuesday, it was revealed that there has been a rise in the numbers of people admitted to intensive care with flu.
Government figures show that 302 beds are now occupied by flu patients. Last week 182 beds were being used.Government figures show that 302 beds are now occupied by flu patients. Last week 182 beds were being used.