Young and middle-aged people were the most likely demographic to be reading pharma booklet labels for flu medication last winter, according to news published this week.

Figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) state that GP surgeries saw the most visits from people aged between 15 and 64 suffering from flu-like symptoms.

It was also found that 70 per cent of fatal cases were recorded in this age group.

Professor John Watson from the HPA said winter 2010-11 saw higher cases of seasonal flu activity than 2009-10.

"Traditionally the elderly have been more seriously affected by winter flu but the picture is beginning to change," he commented.

Professor Watson also said he was concerned to find that only half of the adults eligible to receive the flu vaccine last winter went to get it.

The symptoms of flu include a fever, headache, cough, sore throat and muscle aches.

Unlike with the common cold, these come on suddenly and usually last for seven days, leaving the patient exhausted for several weeks.

Denny Bros Ltd, 27 May 2011