The Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Thursday confirmed the seasonal flu has killed at least 50 people so far as the disease is starting to peak in England, Wales and Scotland.Influenza A H1N1 (2009) swine flu and Influenza B remain the predominant strains circulating in the United Kingdom. However, sporadic cases of H3N2 have also been reported.
During the last week, the HPA was informed that a further eleven people died due to flu, increasing the death toll to 50 casualties since the flu season began in October. 45 of these people died with the H1N1 strain and five with Influenza B.
Most of the victims were under 65 years of age. HPA reported eight cases between 5-14 years of age, 33 cases aged between 15-64 and four cases over 64. Since October, five children under the age of five have died.
