This is a survey to monitor the spread of flu across the UK.

Flusurvey is an online survey that monitors trends of flu like illness in the community. Any member of the UK public can register onto the platform to report flu like symptoms they may experience during the winter months. This data will be used by researchers at Public Health England and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to monitor flu trends in the UK.

The survey updates a UK map every 3 minutes to show hot (red) spots of high flu activity or cold spots (blue) an area of low flu activity.

As of 31/10/17 the map is mainly blue, with some hot spots manly around Coventry/Royal Leamington Spa and Bromley in London. Areas around of Surrey and Hampshire warming up and the indicator is going red. Orkney Islands and North East Scotland are also red. For full detail see the survey map for your area on the survey link below.

All readers are reminded that there are concerns about a potentially serious outbreak of Aussie flu this winter season.

The elderly and some of the chronically sick eg diabetics and asthmatics can get free flu jabs from their GP or local NHS community pharmacies.

Global Health Travel Clinic can administer flu jabs for those who are not eligible for free flu jabs under the NHS. Many of those travelling are taking up the option.

Businesses, school (teaching/support staff) and other organisations are encouraged to get teams vaccinated to protect services from disruption.

To join the Flusurvey on line visit https://flusurvey.org.uk/ see the UK map and track the risk of catching flu in your specific location.

See our other blogs which explore the risk more fully and discuss what to do if you are unfortunate to catch the flu. A good source of information is NHS Choices a website which identifies services in your area and provides general health information. Go to www.nhs.uk/pages/home.aspx