Aussie flu has resulted in no deaths in Surrey, according to Public Health England.

However, people in northern and eastern parts of the county remain at increased risk of contracting the potentially fatal influenza strain.

A spokesman for Public Health England told Get Surrey on Friday (January 12) there had been no flu deaths reported to the government body, although more people were visiting their GP and being admitted to hospital with flu symptoms.

There has been no change in the "red zone" identified by the FluSurvey map on Thursday (January 11).

Aussie flu is a strain of influenza called H3N2 and has sparked concern across the UK following a severe outbreak in Australia last year.

At the beginning of the year, only Sutton and Banstead were placed in FluSurvey's red zone , which indicates the highest risk of catching the influenza strain.

However, on Thursday this area expanded to include Coulsdon, Leatherhead , Byfleet , Weybridge , Esher , Walton and Chertsey .

FluSurvey's map showing the extent of the "red zone" in Surrey on Friday morning (January 12)

Other areas, while affected by flu, were not placed in this high-risk area, which reached as close to Guildford as East Horsley and West Clandon .

The FluSurvey map was launched following the swine flu pandemic in July 2009.

The map allows members of the public to register and report flu-like symptoms, providing an up-to-date picture of the spread of flu.

Aussie flu: 'Keep homes warm' urges Public Health England as UK braces itself for cold spell

Professor Paul Cosford, medical director of Public Health England, urged members of the public to get vaccinated against the flu.

Prof Cosford said: "We encourage anyone who is eligible to take up their offer of the flu vaccine - it is not too late.


"Avoid having unnecessary contact with other people if you or they have symptoms of flu."

The "red zone" was initially confined to Sutton and Banstead (map taken from January 4)

What are the symptoms?



Children can also get ear pain.

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What is the difference between flu and a cold?

The symptoms may be similar to a common cold but flu tends to be more severe.


It can also lead to much more serious illnesses like pneumonia and other potentially fatal complications.

How can you protect yourself?




NHS urges everyone to get the flu jab

You can have the jab at your GP and some pharmacies.

Serious side effects of the vaccine are rare.



