The number of flu patients in hospital in England has risen by 18%, following a 55% increase the week before. Other UK-wide data shows infection rates stabilising.

A new influenza strain could fuel a severe flu season while a surge in measles cases threatens U.S. elimination status, emphasizing that vaccination remains critical to limiting disease spread and severity, according to faculty from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

HEALTH experts have confirmed flu activity in Ireland is at “high levels” – with a surge in cases fuelled by a mutant strain dubbed the “superflu”. The superflu, specifically H3N2

Donald Macaskill, chief executive of Scottish Care, told BBC Scotland a "measured" approach could avoid routine mask wearing in the care homes, which he said were different from NHS settings. Earlier this week it was revealed hospital admissions for flu had increased from 860 to 986, according to figures from Public Health Scotland (PHS).

A surge in the number of people being hospitalised with the flu could see 'carnage' on wards, a hospital chief has warned - but other experts are sceptical

Health settings may wish to consider making mask wearing mandatory due to the ongoing respiratory pressures, the health secretary suggested.

Paediatric emergency medicine consultant Dr Julie-Ann Maney says it is a particularly virulent strain of influenza.