ELEVEN more people have died from flu across the UK, taking the total to 50.
The Health Protection Agency revealed that of those, 45 died with swine flu and five with another strain, flu type B.
The deaths are mostly among children and young adults, with five cases in the under-fives and eight cases among those aged five to 14.
Another 33 cases are in people aged 15 to 64.
The figures came as concern grew that not enough had been done to prevent an epidemic.
Prof Peter Bradshaw, an emeritus professor in health policies at the University of Huddersfield, shares the concerns.
He said: “Last year, the Government were extremely cautious on flu. There were fears of a swine flu epidemic and they ordered millions of doses of the vaccines that in the end were never needed.
“Many of those had to be destroyed and that was at considerable cost.
“There was also a major public education programme aimed at those most at risk.
“This year, the Coalition Government decided against such a programme, although they have now relented. But that is very much a case of shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.
“They are also worrying about supplies of the vaccines and have been slow to contact the manufacturers, who will no doubt jump if asked.
“There is certainly no doubt this winter we have been ill-prepared. We knew a harsh winter was likely and we know the population is ageing, all of which suggests flu would be a concern.”
The new fatality figures come as some hospitals have been told to cancel operations to make way for the most seriously ill flu patients.
The NHS is preparing to expand the number of beds available for a highly specialised treatment, which is often seen as a last resort.
Extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) helps patients whose lungs or heart are not working normally and uses an artificial lung to oxygenate blood outside the body.
The Government has admitted that some parts of the country are suffering shortages of flu vaccines.
Suppliers have been asked to contact their factories in Europe for a count of UK-licensed vaccines after the Government admitted it was considering bringing in supplies.
There is no central stockpile of seasonal flu vaccines, which are ordered every year by GPs and delivered to surgeries.
The Department of Health has insisted there is “no national shortage” but admitted some areas were experiencing “local supply issues”.
In Kirklees, local health officials confirmed there had been an initial shortage in the run-up to Christmas but said stocks were now available.