The USA is facing a flu epidemic – with a public health emergency declared on the east coast, it has been announced.
The spread of the disease in America contrasts with the UK where official figures suggest rates currently are "low".
But it will put the UK on increased alert. The USA is reported to be facing problems caused by the H3N2 virus.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that last week 7.3% of deaths were caused by flu and pneumonia.
And nearly 20,000 cases of flu have been reported in New York State, which has a population of eight million.
UK figures show high rates of flu in Northern Ireland and growing prevalence of the disease in Scotland. GPs reported about 1,500 cases in Northern Ireland last week.
Across England GPs reported about 15,000 cases of flu-like illness.
About 52 people needed intensive care treatment in England in the first week of January and five deaths were reported.
But almost three-quarters of English pensioners have been vaccinated and nearly 40% of pregnant women.
The US CDC says its vaccine this year is proving about 60% effective in preventing flu.
CDC director Dr Tom Frieden said: "Most of the country is seeing or has seen a lot of flu and this may continue for a number of weeks."
He warned that in 2003 a similar H3N2 strain led to many deaths, including many child deaths.
Leave a Reply