The number of flu circulating in England has begun to fall. recent data suggests.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was encouraging in the lead-up to Christmas but warned the virus could always return in the new year.
UKHSA uses a number of different measures to monitor the incidence of influenza, including random testing in hospitals and GP practices.
The latest figures cover the past week to Sunday, with the UKHSA concluding the virus was circulating at “medium levels”.
Similar trends are being seen in other parts of the UK. Public Health Scotland said the number of cases had fallen in two weeks.
The fall in England came after the agency said last week that the spread had stabilized after weeks of growth.
This year's flu season started early due to a mutated strain of the virus, raising concerns about the pressure that could be put on hospitals.
NHS England data on the total number of people in hospital is not being published this week.
But there are signs in UKHSA random testing that hospital admissions are starting to fall, suggesting predictions of a record number of patients ending up in hospital with the virus over the festive period will not materialize.
Dr Jamie Lopez-Bernal, UKHSA infectious disease expert, said it was “encouraging news”.
But he added: “The virus is still very common among us and everyone, especially those most vulnerable to winter bugs, should take care to protect themselves or help avoid spreading these viruses to others.”
“This is especially important at Christmas when families come together to celebrate. Therefore, if you have any cold or flu symptoms, you should try to minimize contact with other people.”
He said there are simple steps we can all take to protect each other when socializing indoors.
“Washing your hands regularly and ensuring indoor areas are well ventilated helps, and we advise those who have symptoms and need to go outside to consider wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces. These simple measures can help reduce the spread of the disease.
“Flu is always unpredictable, it is still circulating and could return to normal again in the new year, as we have seen in past years,” he warned.
