GP SURGERIES across Huddersfield have reported an increase in visitors with flu-like symptoms.

But NHS Kirklees says the spate of sickness reflects the national position and is normal for the time of year.

A spokeswoman added that individuals suffering from the most severe forms of influenza were mainly in the clinical “at risk” groups.

Prime Minister David Cameron says the country faces “significant outbreaks” for years to come.

Since October the death toll from flu has risen to 50 across the UK.

Stocks of last year’s swine flu vaccine – which does not protect against all the latest flu strains – are to be used to plug shortages in this year’s vaccination programme.

Mr Cameron said: “Doctors did order something like 14 million doses of vaccine. Because of very heavy usage there are some shortages in some places.

“It is very important that we learn the lessons from this.

“One of the lessons is that it looks likely that, because of the prevalence of swine flu and other strains, we might have quite significant outbreaks in future years and we need to look at the way we order vaccinations and whether more needs to be done.

“We have followed at every turn what the joint committee (on vaccinations and immunisations) has said. It is important you listen to the experts and make sure you are trying to get the vaccine to the people who need it.”

He added: “This is nothing to do with cuts. The NHS is not having cuts.”

The NHS Kirklees spokeswoman said the vaccination was the best way of protecting those in the clinical at-risk group, and that protection against the latest strain of swine flu was included in the vaccination.

Those in the at risk group include anyone with chronic heart or lung problems and those with asthma or diabetes, kidney problems or a lowered immune system due to treatment or disease.

Pregnant women or people aged 65 years or those living in a residential or nursing home are also vulnerable.

The advice to those who fall ill who are not in the at risk group is to rest as much as possible, drink plenty of hot drinks and take pain relievers such as paracetamol.