24-hour flu rule to know as NHS says virus can live on surfaces

The NHS says flu germs can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, and England recorded an average of 2,924 hospital beds occupied by flu last week, a 9% rise.

The NHS has issued guidance on preventing the spread of flu and reports that flu germs can survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours. Influenza is a contagious viral illness affecting the nose, throat and lungs and can cause fever, body aches, headache, a dry cough and extreme tiredness. Recent figures show an average of 2,924 hospital beds in England were occupied by flu last week, a rise of 9% from the previous week. Key facts: - The NHS states flu is very infectious and you are more likely to pass it to others in the first five days of illness. - Flu germs can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours, according to NHS guidance. - England recorded an average of 2,924 hospital beds occupied by flu last week, a 9% increase compared with the previous week. Summary: Hospital cases have risen and NHS guidance highlights how flu spreads and can survive on surfaces. Undetermined at this time.