Still time to protect against winter flu outbreak

Doctors in Belgium are urging at-risk groups to make an appointment to get this year's winter flu vaccine as soon as possible - as the virus continues to spread.

Most of France has been in the grip of a flu epidemic and the number of cases in Belgium is on the rise, with 70 confirmed cases per 100,000 population last week.

Public health institute ISP says the most common strain of flu doing the roads this year is A H3N2, which was common in winter 2013 and is covered by this year's vaccine.

It is normally recommended to get vaccinated in October or November, and the jab can take 10 to 15 days to have an effect, but with the virus still not at peak level, the ISP says vulnerable groups such as the over-65s, diabetics and pregnant women should see a doctor now to discuss taking the vaccine.

This year's outbreak is said to be particularly virulent and the illness typically lasts up to five days.