THE NHS has issued a health warning as a French Flu epidemic from across the Channel threatens to hit the UK.

The news comes as hundreds of people in the UK have been affected by Aussie Flu, believed to be one of the biggest flu epidemics in Britain in recent years.

In France, 11,500 people were admitted to hospital with flu between December 25 and 31, and there are fears children could spread the disease as they go back to school after the holidays.

People who work in the health industry, and those eligible, are now being urged to have the flu jab to protect themselves from the deadly disease.

Worrying figures show just one in three workers have been vaccinated at some hospitals across the country.

The Sunday Telegraph reports that figures suggest around half will not show symptoms of French Flu, which means they could remain in work and spread infections.

What are the symptoms?

  • Coughing
  • Body aches
  • Fever
  • Exhaustion
  • Headaches
  • Minor congestion
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea

Can I get the flu jab?

Anyone aged 65 or over or 18 or over with heart or respiratory problems can have the jab.

Pregnant women and children aged six months to two-years-old, if they are high risk, can also have the jab.

All children aged two or three, or those in Reception and Year One to Four can get the flu nasal spray on the NHS.

If a child is deemed to be at risk, they can have the spray up to the age of 17.

How can I keep myself safe?

  • Good personal hygiene, e.g. washing your hands regularly
  • Covering your mouth to sneeze