The Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer have written to the NHS to advise that antiviral medicines may now be used for the prevention or treatment of flu in line with NICE guidelines.

This update sent to GPs and other health professionals advises for a final push this season to offer vaccination to those in the at risk groups, so that they are protected before the level of flu increases significantly.

This action is being taken because surveillance data from the Health Protection Agency indicates increased levels of the influenza virus is circulating.