Doctors are advising people to get the flu jab as hospitalisations double in just a week.
There has been a rapid rise in the number of patients with the flu with four hundred and eighteen cases reported in hospitals in the last week of November
Healthcare workers and people in at-risk groups are being urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible
Blackpool based GP Dr John Sheehan says while the vaccine doesn't guarantee that you won't get the flu it does mean your symptoms won't be as severe
"The most effective thing you can do to reduce your risk of getting unwell is taking the flu vaccination. It works, now it doesn't guarantee that you won't get sick, but if you do get sick, you're not as sick, and you're not as sick for as long. And it makes a significant difference for those who are more vulnerable. It really makes a big difference in reducing their chances of being admitted to hospital"
