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GPs report flu cases rose again last week GPs report flu cases rose again last week
(about 1 hour later)
By Helen Briggs Health reporter, BBC NewsBy Helen Briggs Health reporter, BBC News
Flu cases have risen again in England and Wales, but have not reached epidemic levels, according to figures from GPs. Flu cases have risen again in England and Wales, according to figures from GPs.
The flu tally reached 124 per 100,000 of the population in the week ending 26 December, from 86 cases in the previous week. Levels of flu - including H1N1 swine flu - have gone up by almost 50% in the past week, says the Royal College of GPs.
The flu tally reached 124 per 100,000 people in the week to Christmas, up from 86 cases in the previous week.
Health officials in England define an epidemic as 200 cases per 100,000.Health officials in England define an epidemic as 200 cases per 100,000.
It comes amid political debate over the decision not to give all young children a flu jab this winter. Wednesday's figures come amid political debate over the decision not to give all young children a flu jab this winter.
Labour has criticised the lack of protection for healthy under-fives, but the government says they were excluded on medical and not cost grounds.Labour has criticised the lack of protection for healthy under-fives, but the government says they were excluded on medical and not cost grounds.
The latest figures show the incidence of flu has risen by about 50% in the past week. The latest figures show the highest rates are in children aged under five - at 184 cases per 100,000.
The highest rates are in children aged under five - at 184 cases per 100,000. Professor Steve Field, a former chairman of the Royal College of GPs, said there was no indication in the current expert advice that across-the-board vaccination of young children is necessary.
Cases are lower in Scotland. He told the BBC: "Looking at the evidence - looking at where we are in this early epidemic, there doesn't seem to be any indication.
'Get vaccinated' "But we do need to do better in those children who have asthma, who've got heart disease or other diseases and particularly pregnant women.
Meanwhile, experts are urging those in high-risk groups, particularly pregnant women, to get vaccinated. "I'm worried about the number of sick pregnant women who haven't been vaccinated. And we can prevent this illness by vaccination, which is safe."
The vaccine protects against H1N1, the same strain of flu behind last year's swine flu pandemic, and also protects against the H3N2 and B strain. Winter flu
Professor John Watson of the Health Protection Agency said: "Flu can be an extremely serious illness for people in 'at risk' groups, including pregnant women, the elderly and those with other underlying conditions such as heart problems, diabetes, lung, liver or renal diseases and those who have weakened immune systems.
"Flu vaccination offers the best protection from seasonal flu and we continue to urge those in risk groups, including pregnant women at any stage of their pregnancy and healthcare workers, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
"The vaccine is safe and effective."
French 'epidemic'
The latest figures give an indication of the extent of this winter's flu outbreak, based on people visiting GP surgeries in England and Wales with flu-like symptoms.The latest figures give an indication of the extent of this winter's flu outbreak, based on people visiting GP surgeries in England and Wales with flu-like symptoms.
Flu cases have risen steadily in England and Wales from 32.8 per 100,000 in week 49, to 85.8 in week 50, to 124.4 in week 51.Flu cases have risen steadily in England and Wales from 32.8 per 100,000 in week 49, to 85.8 in week 50, to 124.4 in week 51.
The latest figures from Scotland, released on 23 December, show a rate of GP consultations for flu-like illness - not necessarily H1N1 - of 45.8 per 100,000. The latest figures for Scotland, released on 23 December, show a rate of GP consultations for flu of 45.8 per 100,000.
A Department of Health spokesperson said the figures for England and Wales were "in keeping with what we would expect during a winter flu season".
The spokesperson added: "But everyone can do their bit to help keep well - simple measures like washing your hands help stop flu spreading.
"The Chief Medical Officer has issued clear advice to get the seasonal flu jab if you are in a vulnerable group, particularly pregnant women and people with underlying health conditions, as well as those aged 65 and over."
The vaccine protects against H1N1, the same strain of flu behind last year's swine flu pandemic, and also protects against the H3N2 and B strains.
French 'epidemic'
Other European countries are also suffering the effects of flu.Other European countries are also suffering the effects of flu.
French health experts said on Wednesday the country was officially in the grip of a flu epidemic, with 176,000 people sick, two of whom have died.French health experts said on Wednesday the country was officially in the grip of a flu epidemic, with 176,000 people sick, two of whom have died.
In the UK, 27 people have died from flu this season, of which nine were children. Among the fatalities, 24 had swine flu. Three suffered from another strain, flu type B.In the UK, 27 people have died from flu this season, of which nine were children. Among the fatalities, 24 had swine flu. Three suffered from another strain, flu type B.
According to the World Health Organisation, flu epidemics result globally in about three to five million cases of severe illness per year and 250,000-500,000 deaths.According to the World Health Organisation, flu epidemics result globally in about three to five million cases of severe illness per year and 250,000-500,000 deaths.
Have you or any of your family been affected by severe flu this winter? Have you requested a flu vaccine? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.Have you or any of your family been affected by severe flu this winter? Have you requested a flu vaccine? Send us your comments and experiences using the form below.