The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people to take precautions, including wearing face masks, as winter viruses, particularly flu, spread across the country.

This year’s flu season began unusually early due to a mutated strain, raising concern among health experts.

UKHSA advises regular handwashing, ventilating indoor spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if unwell.

Flu rates have risen slightly, with the highest positivity among children aged 5-14, the Express has reported.

Symptoms can include fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, fatigue, digestive issues, and, in children, earache and reduced activity.