An added concern is a warning from disease experts that the flu vaccine offers less protection for one of the strains circulating this winter.
The highest rate is among the over-80s. Christmas socialising and travel will add to the spread, while children can pass it on to older relatives.
Doctors are being advised to err more on the side of caution and give antiviral medicines early to at-risk patients.
Even if the jab is less powerful against this strain, it still provides some protection. It takes around two weeks for a vaccine to work.
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