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Flu infections are surging in the community according to new data from the UK Health Security Agency.

Children are driving the growing flu surge which is the highest on record for the time of year. Health chiefs use a range of surveillance measures to assess how much flu is spreading with analysis at laboratories where hospitals and GPs send samples from patients who present with flu-like illness.

The flu positivity rate in England increased to 21% last week compared with 17% in the previous week, the UKHSAdata shows. Swab samples sent specifically from GPs were 34% positive for flu, compared with 24.2% last week. Children and young people aged five to 14 have the highest positivity rates.

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It comes after NHS data showed people in hospital in England with flu is at a record high for the time of year and has jumped by 55% in a week.

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “There is still plenty of flu vaccine available to protect those who need it – what’s running out is time to be protected ahead of Christmas.

“If you are eligible this is the last chance to get protected as we head into Christmas – so make an appointment with the NHS today. If your child has missed out on their vaccination with the school immunisation team, you should still be able to get vaccinated through a community clinic over the next few weeks.

“Contact your NHS school immunisation team to find out arrangements in your area – the school should be able to provide their details if you can’t find them directly. Vaccination can make all the difference in preventing severe illness and hospitalisation for those eligible.”

Flu and colds are both on the rise with the consultation rate for flu-like illness at GP practices increasing to 18.3 per 100,000 registered population. This was a sharp rise from 13.2 per 100,000 the previous week

The predominant strain of flu that is circulating this winter, the drifted H3N2 strain, means there is "less natural immunity in the community", the UKHSA said.

"H3N2 flu strains typically affect older adults more severely than H1N1 strains, leading to more hospitalisations and deaths, creating further pressure on our NHS this winter."

The UKHSA said 71.7% of people in England aged 65 years had received this year's flu vaccination as of December 7. Uptake is lower among those under the age of 65 in a clinical risk group (37.4%), pregnant women (35.6%) and children aged two or three (41.9%).

Dr Watson added: “There are also simple steps we can all take to help protect one another through the festive period. If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 – like a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy – you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable.

"Washing hands regularly and ensuring indoor spaces are well ventilated both help. If you have symptoms and need to go out, you should consider wearing a face covering.”