British doctors have been told to begin prescribing anti-flu drugs as the first signs of an outbreak of the virus emerged.
Health officials say flu is now circulating among schoolchildren in the five to 14 age group.
And hospitals across England have reported at least 12 cases of patients with flu needing intensive care.
Now the Department of Health has issued guidance on prescribing anti-viral drugs to high risk patients.
Most victims of flu do not need to see a doctor and should just stay at home, according to Dr Richard Pebody, of the Health Protection Agency.
According to figures collected from GPs, just over 1,000 people in England visited their doctor with flu-like illnesses last week.
Although this autumn’s vaccination campaign has seen some improvements in rates, it has still left many people unprotected, according to the latest figures.
Just 40% of front-line health workers had undergone vaccination by the end of November and fewer than 50% of people in clinical risk groups under the age of 65.
The vaccination rate for pregnant women has nearly reached 40% while 71% of pensioners have been immunised.
Dr Pebody said these rates were "encouraging."
He said: “As levels of flu have started to increase, the HPA has recommended that antivirals should be used for the treatment and prevention of flu in those who are at risk of serious complications.
"The use of antivirals is recommended each year when flu is considered to be circulating in the community.”
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