Flu is behind 1 in 10 deaths

FLU and pneumonia caused nearly one in 10 of all deaths at the start of the year, figures show.

It is the highest proportion since before Covid.

Some 1,383 deaths registered in the week to January 6 had flu and pneumonia as the underlying cause, 9% of the total.

The weekly figure peaked at 7% in the preCovid winter of 2019/20.

The Office for National Statistics data also shows deaths well above average for the time of year.

Some 14% more deaths than usual were registered, following 20% above average the previous week.