# 5176
As stated before in this blog, the UK is in the grips of a not-entirely-unexpected, but nonetheless fairly serious outbreak of H1N1 influenza.
Between some truly nasty weather this December, and a low uptake of the influenza vaccine this year, there are concerns that the next few weeks will see a great many more cases of influenza-like illness across the UK.
Already hospitals and GPs are under a heavy workload, and the number of serious flu cases continues to rise.
Yesterday, it was announced that the National Influenza Hotline would be activated, and that the rules for prescribing Tamiflu were to be relaxed (see UK: Flu Triples In A Week, Puts NHS `Under Growing Strain’ – also look for an update from our UK GP, Chacal in the comments section).
This morning, we are hearing that the number of flu cases admitted to intensive care units has increased by 50% over the past 3 days, and that some surgeries may have to be postponed due to the flu outbreak.
A roundup, therefore, of some this morning’s media coverage of the UK’s flu outbreak (h/t to CopitoSP & Shiloh @ FluTrackers):
By Sophie Borland
Last updated at 12:26 PM on 24th December 2010
Sharp rise in serious flu cases prompts jab questions
24 December 2010 Last updated at 07:38 ET
By Nick Triggle Health reporter, BBC News
Flu: intensive care cases 'double in a week' as cases accelerate
The number of people admitted to intensive care with confirmed or suspected cases of flu has doubled in a week, the government said on Friday.
By Andrew Hough, and Rebecca Smith 1:00PM GMT 24 Dec 2010
Some earlier blogs on this outbreak include:
Referral: Fergus Walsh On The UK Flu
The Pandemic Is Ended (But The Malady Lingers On)
