Scientists Warn, Flu Cases , Are on the Rise.br Scientists are warning that br the "flu is back" following a brief respite br since the onset of the COVID pandemic.br 'The Independent' reports that experts have br urged those eligible to get their annual flu shot br as recent data shows an early uptick in cases. .br According to data from the U.K. Health br Security Agency (UKHSA), levels of flu br are already rising in England.br The UKHSA's latest report shows that rates br are highest among five- to 14-year-olds, with br 12 of this age group testing positive for flu. .br The report also shows that br hospitalization rates are highest br among those under the age of five.br 'The Independent' reports that with overall flu br levels still low, it remains too soon to predict br the severity of the upcoming flu season. .br The key thing to say br really is that flu is back. , Dr. John McCauley, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Influenza, via 'The Independent' .br What we do know is that although influenza br seasons are very variable, they can have br a very big impact and in a big season br they can put enormous pressures br on the healthcare system, Dr. John McCauley, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Influenza, via 'The Independent' .br Dr. John McCauley, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Influenza, addressed br the difficulty in differentiating between the flu and COVID. .br It’s not worth trying to differentiate those br viral infections by symptom cluster – br there will often be so much overlap br that it’s impossible to accurately tell, Dr. John McCauley, director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Influenza, via 'The Independent' .br 'The Independent' reports that Dr. McCauleybr recommends taking a COVID test br to determine if you have the flu.