The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that flu cases are "rising sharply" with more adults now being impacted. The agency said in a new alert on X, formerly Twitter, that flu is now circulating at "medium levels" with the weekly positivity rate rising from 11.6% to 17.1%.

In the seven days to Sunday, November 30, hospital admissions with flu also rose - increasing from 4.78 to 7.79 per 100,000 people. Flu symptoms usually come on quickly, and can include a fever, body aches, fatigue, and a dry cough.

Most people can manage their symptoms at home by getting plenty of rest, using paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain relief, and making sure to drink lots of water. However, there are high-risk groups who should seek immediate medical attention if they develop flu symptoms.

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This includes pregnant women, those aged 65 or over, and individuals with long-term medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. As per NHS guidance, you need to call 999 or go immediately to A&E you or a child coughs up a significant amount of blood, struggles with breathing, or suffers from sudden, sharp chest pain.

You should not drive yourself to A&E. Ask someone else to take you instead, or call for an ambulance. You should also bring any medication you're on with you.

The UKHSA said respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have also increased week on week. Hospitalisations rose from 2.38 to 3.75 per 100,000 people, while positive tests increased from 8.7% to 10%.

Positive Covid tests, however, fell from 2.3% to 2.1%, while hospitalisations with Covid increased slightly from 0.88 to 1.03 per 100,000 of the population.